U.S. patent application number 11/710516 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-16 for measuring apparatus and measuring method for concrete-forming materials.
Invention is credited to Ryuichi Chikamatsu, Hisayoshi Kikkawa, Shigeyuki Sogo, Koji Watanabe.
Application Number | 20070186697 11/710516 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27577798 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070186697 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sogo; Shigeyuki ; et
al. |
August 16, 2007 |
Measuring apparatus and measuring method for concrete-forming
materials
Abstract
A measuring apparatus of submergence aggregate according to the
present invention comprising a stock bin for storing fine
aggregate, a fine aggregate feed hopper placed under the stock bin,
a vibrating feeder placed under a discharge opening of the fine
aggregate feed hopper, a screen device placed in the vicinity of an
exit of the vibrating feeder, a measurement tank placed under the
screen device, an electrode-type displacement sensor as means for
measuring a water level placed above the measurement tank, and load
cells as mass measuring means for measuring a mass of the
measurement tank.
Inventors: |
Sogo; Shigeyuki;
(Kiyose-shi, JP) ; Chikamatsu; Ryuichi;
(Kiyose-shi, JP) ; Watanabe; Koji; (Kiyose-shi,
JP) ; Kikkawa; Hisayoshi; (Natori-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WENDEROTH, LIND & PONACK, L.L.P.
2033 K STREET N. W.
SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20006-1021
US
|
Family ID: |
27577798 |
Appl. No.: |
11/710516 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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|
10470044 |
Feb 12, 2004 |
7207212 |
|
|
PCT/JP02/00447 |
Jan 23, 2002 |
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11710516 |
Feb 26, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
73/865 ; 702/173;
702/25; 73/73; 73/74; 73/866 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01G 17/04 20130101;
G01N 9/02 20130101; G01N 2009/026 20130101; B28C 7/0409 20130101;
G01N 5/00 20130101; B28C 7/0463 20130101; B28C 7/0481 20130101;
G01N 33/383 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
073/865 ;
073/073; 073/866; 702/173; 702/025; 073/074 |
International
Class: |
G01N 5/00 20060101
G01N005/00; G01N 5/02 20060101 G01N005/02; G01N 33/38 20060101
G01N033/38 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 31, 2001 |
JP |
2001-024968 |
Feb 1, 2001 |
JP |
2001-026143 |
Feb 14, 2001 |
JP |
2001-036770 |
Feb 14, 2001 |
JP |
2001-036902 |
Feb 26, 2001 |
JP |
2001-049751 |
Mar 6, 2001 |
JP |
2001-062698 |
Mar 6, 2001 |
JP |
2001-062611 |
Mar 6, 2001 |
JP |
2001-062622 |
Apr 9, 2001 |
JP |
2001-109466 |
Claims
1-13. (canceled)
14. A measuring method of concrete materials, comprising the steps
of: throwing water and aggregate into a measurement tank having an
opening for overflow formed thereon so that the aggregate is
submerged in the water as submergence aggregate and so that the
water overflows from the opening for overflow; measuring total mass
M.sub.f of the submergence aggregate; and calculating mass M.sub.a
of the aggregate in a saturated surface-dried condition and mass
M.sub.w of the water from the fact that an internal volume at
overflow from said measurement tank is equal to total volume
V.sub.f of the submergence aggregate by solving the following two
formulas: M.sub.a+M.sub.w=M.sub.f (1)
M.sub.a/.rho..sub.a+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f (2) where
.rho..sub.a is a density of the aggregate in the saturated
surface-dried condition and .rho..sub.w is a density of the
water.
15. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
14, further comprising the steps of: measuring mass M.sub.aw of the
aggregate in wet condition; and calculating a percentage of surface
moisture of the aggregate by solving the following formula:
(M.sub.aw-M.sub.a)/M.sub.a (3)
16. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
14, further comprising the steps of: measuring mass M.sub.I of the
supplied water and mass M.sub.O of the overflow water; calculating
M.sub.aw by solving the following formula:
M.sub.aw=M.sub.f-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (4); and calculating a
percentage of surface moisture of the aggregate by substituting the
M.sub.aw for the following formula: (M.sub.aw-M.sub.a)/M.sub.a
(3)
17. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
14, wherein an air content of the submergence aggregate is a (%)
and Vf(1-a/100) is used instead of said Vf.
18-23. (canceled)
24. A measuring method of concrete materials, comprising the steps
of: measuring mass M.sub.aw of aggregate; throwing aggregate and
water into a submergence aggregate container having an opening for
overflow formed thereon so that the aggregate is submerged in the
water as submergence aggregate and so that the water overflows from
the opening for overflow; measuring mass M.sub.I of the supplied
water and mass M.sub.O of the overflow water as accumulation
values; calculating mass M.sub.a of the aggregate in a saturated
surface-dried condition and mass M.sub.w of the water in the
submergence aggregate from the fact that an internal volume at
overflow from said submergence aggregate container is equal to
total volume V.sub.f of the submergence aggregate by solving the
following two formulas: M.sub.a+M.sub.w=M.sub.aw+(M.sub.I-M.sub.O)
(5) M.sub.a/.rho..sub.a+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f (2) where
.rho..sub.a is a density of the aggregate in the saturated
surface-dried condition and .rho..sub.w is a density of the water;
and calculating a percentage of surface moisture of the aggregate
by solving the following formula: (M.sub.aw-M.sub.a)/M.sub.a
(3)
25. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
24, wherein an air content of the submergence aggregate is a (%)
and V.sub.f(1-a/100) is used instead of said V.sub.f.
26. A measuring method of concrete materials, comprising the steps
of: throwing aggregate of a first kind and water into a
predetermined measurement tank so that the aggregate is submerged
in the water as submergence aggregate; measuring total mass
M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate; calculating mass M.sub.a1 of
the aggregate of the first kind in a saturated surface-dried
condition by solving the following two formulas:
M.sub.a1+M.sub.w=M.sub.f1 (7)
M.sub.a/.rho..sub.a1+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f1 (8) where
V.sub.f1 is a total volume of the submergence aggregate,
.rho..sub.a1 is a density of the aggregate of the first kind in the
saturated surface-dried condition, and .rho..sub.w is a density of
the water; throwing aggregate of a second kind and required water
into said measurement tank so that the aggregate of the second kind
is submerged in the water as submergence aggregate; measuring total
mass M.sub.f2 of the submergence aggregate; calculating mass
M.sub.a2 of the aggregate of the second kind in a saturated
surface-dried condition by solving the following two formulas:
M.sub.a1+M.sub.a2+M.sub.w=M.sub.f2 (9)
M.sub.a1/.rho..sub.a1+M.sub.a2/.rho..sub.a2+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f2
(10) where V.sub.f2 is a total volume of the submergence aggregate
and .rho..sub.a2 is a density of the aggregate of the second kind
in the saturated surface-dried condition; hereinafter, repeating
the above procedure for sequential calculation up to mass
M.sub.a(N-1) of aggregate of an (N-1)th kind in a saturated
surface-dried condition; finally throwing aggregate of an Nth kind
and required water into said measurement tank so that the aggregate
of the Nth kind is submerged in the water as submergence aggregate;
measuring total mass M.sub.fN of the submergence aggregate; and
calculating mass M.sub.aN of aggregate of the Nth kind in a
saturated surface-dried condition and mass M.sub.w of the water by
solving the following two formulas: .SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to
(N-1))+M.sub.aN+M.sub.w=M.sub.fN (11)
.SIGMA.M.sub.ai/.rho..sub.ai(i=1 to
(N-1))+M.sub.aN/.rho..sub.aN+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.fN (12)
where V.sub.fN is a total volume of the submergence aggregate and
.rho..sub.aN is a density of the aggregate of the Nth kind in the
saturated surface-dried condition.
27. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
26, wherein the total volume V.sub.fi (i=1 to N) of the submergence
aggregate is maintained at a steady value V.sub.f when the water
and the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) are thrown into said
measurement tank.
28. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
26, further comprising the steps of: measuring the mass M.sub.awi
of the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) in wet condition; and
calculating a percentage of surface moisture of the aggregate of
the i-th kind (i=1 to N) by solving the following formula:
(M.sub.awi-M.sub.ai)/M.sub.ai (13)
29. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
26, further comprising the steps of: measuring mass M.sub.I of the
water supplied to said measurement tank and mass M.sub.O of the
water discharged from said measurement tank as accumulation values;
calculating .SIGMA.M.sub.awj (j=1 to i) by solving the following
formula: .SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to i)=M.sub.fi-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O)
(14); calculating M.sub.awi by solving the following formula:
.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to i)-.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to (i-1)) (15); and
calculating a percentage of surface moisture of the aggregate of
the i-th kind (i=1 to N) by substituting the M.sub.awi for the
following formula: (M.sub.awi-M.sub.ai)/M.sub.ai (13)
30. A measuring method of concrete materials, comprising the steps
of: measuring mass M.sub.awi of aggregate of an i-th kind (i=1 to
N) in wet condition; throwing water and aggregate of a first kind
into a predetermined submergence aggregate container so that the
first aggregate is submerged in the water as submergence aggregate
and so that a total volume of the submergence aggregate is
maintained at a steady value V.sub.f; measuring mass M.sub.I of
water supplied to said submergence aggregate container and mass
M.sub.O of water discharged from said submergence aggregate
container as accumulation values; calculating mass M.sub.a1 of the
aggregate of the first kind in a saturated surface-dried condition
by solving the following two formulas:
M.sub.a1+M.sub.w=M.sub.aw1+(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (16)
M.sub.a1/.rho..sub.a1+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f (17) where
.rho..sub.a1 is a density of the aggregate of the first kind in the
saturated surface-dried condition and .rho..sub.w is a density of
the water; calculating a percentage of surface moisture of the
aggregate of the first kind by solving the following formula:
(M.sub.aw1-M.sub.a1)/M.sub.a1 (18) throwing aggregate of a second
kind and required water into said submergence aggregate container
so that the aggregate of the second kind is submerged in the water
as submergence aggregate and so that the total volume of the
submergence aggregate is maintained at the steady value V.sub.f;
measuring mass M.sub.I of the supplied water and mass M.sub.O of
the discharged water as accumulation values; calculating mass
M.sub.a2 of the aggregate of the second kind in a saturated
surface-dried condition by solving the following two formulas:
M.sub.a1+M.sub.a2+M.sub.w=M.sub.aw1+M.sub.aw2+(M.sub.I-M.sub.O)
(19)
M.sub.a1/.rho..sub.a1+M.sub.a2/.rho..sub.a2+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f
(20) where .rho..sub.a2 is a density of the aggregate of the second
kind in the saturated surface-dried condition; calculating a
percentage of surface moisture of the aggregate of the second kind
by solving the following formula: (M.sub.aw2-M.sub.a2)/M.sub.a2
(21) hereinafter, repeating the above procedure for sequential
calculation up to mass M.sub.a(N-1) of aggregate of an (N-1)th kind
in a saturated surface-dried condition; finally throwing aggregate
of an Nth kind and required water into said submergence aggregate
container so that the aggregate of the Nth kind is submerged in the
water as submergence aggregate and so that the total volume of the
submergence aggregate is maintained at the steady value V.sub.f;
measuring mass M.sub.I of the supplied water and mass M.sub.O of
the discharged water as accumulation values; calculating mass
M.sub.aN of the aggregate of the Nth kind in a saturated
surface-dried condition and mass M.sub.w of the water by solving
the following two formulas: M ai .times. .times. ( i = 1 .times.
.times. to .times. .times. ( N - 1 ) ) + M aN + M w = .times. ( M
awi .times. .times. ( i = 1 .times. .times. to .times. .times. ( N
- 1 ) ) + M awN + .times. ( M I - M O ) ( 22 ) .times. ( M ai
.times. / .rho. ai ) .times. .times. ( i = 1 .times. .times. to
.times. .times. ( N - 1 ) ) + M aN / .rho. aN + M w / .rho. w = V f
( 23 ) ##EQU7## where .rho..sub.aN is a density of the aggregate of
the Nth kind in the saturated surface-dried condition; and
calculating a percentage of surface moisture of the aggregate of
the Nth kind by solving the following formula:
(M.sub.awN-M.sub.aN)/M.sub.aN (24)
31. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
26, wherein an air content of the submergence aggregate is a (%)
and Vfi (i=1 to N)(1-a/100) or Vf(1-a/100) is used instead of said
Vfi (i=1 to N) or Vf.
32. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
28, wherein an air content of the submergence aggregate is a (%)
and V.sub.fi (i=1 to N)(1-a/100) or V.sub.f(1-a/100) is used
instead of said V.sub.fi (i=1 to N) or V.sub.f.
33. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
29, wherein an air content of the submergence aggregate is a (%)
and V.sub.fi (i=1 to N)(1-a/100) or V.sub.f(1-a/100) is used
instead of said V.sub.fi (i=1 to N) or V.sub.f.
34. A measuring method of concrete materials, comprising the steps
of: calculating a mean-density .rho..sub.ave of whole aggregate
from a mass ratio of aggregate of an i-th kind (i=1 to N) and
density .rho..sub.ai (i=1 to N) of the aggregate of the i-th kind
(i=1 to N) in a saturated surface-dried condition; throwing the
aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) and water into a
predetermined measurement tank so that the aggregate of the i-th
kind (i=1 to N) is submerged in the water as submergence aggregate;
measuring total mass M.sub.f of the submergence aggregate; and
calculating summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1 to N), that is, total
mass of the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) in the saturated
surface-dried condition and mass M.sub.w of the water by solving
the following two formulas: .SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to
N)+M.sub.w=M.sub.f (25) .SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to
N)/.rho..sub.ave+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f (26) where V.sub.f is
a total volume of the submergence aggregate and .rho..sub.w is a
density of the water.
35. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
34, wherein the total volume V.sub.f of the submergence aggregate
is maintained at a steady value when the water and the aggregate of
the i-th kind (i=1 to N) are thrown as submergence aggregate into
said measurement tank.
36. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
34, further comprising the steps of: measuring summation
.SIGMA.M.sub.awi (i=1 to N), that is, total mass of the aggregate
of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) in wet condition; and calculating an
average percentage of surface moisture of the aggregate of the i-th
kind (i=1 to N) by solving the following formula:
(.SIGMA.M.sub.awi(i=1 to N)-.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to
N))/.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to N) (27)
37. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
34, further comprising the steps of: measuring mass M.sub.I of the
water supplied to said measurement tank and mass M.sub.O of the
water discharged from said measurement tank; calculating
.SIGMA.M.sub.awi (i=1 to N) by solving the following formula:
.SIGMA.M.sub.awi(i=1 to N)=M.sub.f-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (28); and
calculating an average percentage of surface moisture of the
aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) by substituting the
.SIGMA.M.sub.awi value for the following formula:
(.SIGMA.M.sub.awi(i=1 to N)-.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to
N))/.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to N) (27)
38. A measuring method of concrete materials comprising the steps
of: measuring summation .SIGMA.M.sub.awi (i=1 to N), that is, total
mass of the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) in wet condition;
calculating a mean-density .rho..sub.ave of whole aggregate from a
mass ratio of the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) and density
.rho..sub.ai (i=1 to N) of the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to
N) in the saturated surface-dried condition; throwing the aggregate
of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) and water into a predetermined
submergence aggregate container so that the aggregate of the i-th
kind (i=1 to N) is submerged in the water as submergence aggregate
and so that a total volume of the submergence aggregate is
maintained at a steady value V.sub.f; measuring mass M.sub.I of
water supplied to said submergence aggregate container and mass
M.sub.O of water discharged from said submergence aggregate
container as accumulation values; calculating summation
.SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1 to N), that is, total mass of the aggregate of
the i-th kind (i=1 to N) in the saturated surface-dried condition
and mass M.sub.w of the water in said submergence aggregate by
solving the following two formulas: .SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to
N)+M.sub.w=.SIGMA.M.sub.awi(i=1 to N)+(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (29)
.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to N)/.rho..sub.ave+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f
(30) where .rho..sub.w is a density of the water; and calculating
an average percentage of surface moisture of the aggregate of the
i-th kind (i=1 to N) by solving the following formula:
(.SIGMA.M.sub.awi(i=1 to N)-.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to
N))/.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to N) (31)
39. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
34, wherein an air content of the submergence aggregate is a (%)
and Vf(1-a/100) is used instead of said Vf.
40. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
36, wherein an air content of the submergence aggregate is a (%)
and V.sub.f(1-a/100) is used instead of said V.sub.f.
41. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
37, wherein an air content of the submergence aggregate is a (%)
and V.sub.f(1-a/100) is used instead of said V.sub.f.
42. A measuring method of concrete materials, comprising the steps
of: throwing aggregate and water into a predetermined measurement
tank so that the aggregate is submerged in the water as submergence
aggregate; measuring total mass M.sub.f of the submergence
aggregate; and calculating mass M.sub.a of the aggregate in a
saturated surface-dried condition and mass M.sub.w of the water by
solving the following two formulas: M.sub.a+M.sub.w=M.sub.f (1)
M.sub.a/.rho..sub.a+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f (2) where V.sub.f
is a total volume of the submergence aggregate, .rho..sub.a is a
density of the aggregate in the saturated surface-dried condition,
and .rho..sub.w is a density of the water, wherein the aggregate is
thrown into the measurement tank at a predetermined speed and
continuously or intermittently while measuring the total mass
M.sub.f of the submergence aggregate in real time or at
predetermined time intervals and throwing the aggregate is
terminated when the mass M.sub.a of the aggregate in the saturated
surface-dried condition reaches a scheduled input.
43. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
42, wherein the total volume of the submergence aggregate V.sub.f
is maintained at a steady value when the water and the aggregate
are thrown as submergence aggregate into said measurement tank.
44. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
42, further comprising the steps of: measuring mass M.sub.I of the
water supplied to said measurement tank and mass M.sub.O of the
water discharged from said measurement tank as accumulation values;
calculating M.sub.aw by solving the following formula:
M.sub.aw=M.sub.f-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (4); and calculating a
percentage of surface moisture of the aggregate by substituting the
M.sub.aw for the following formula: (M.sub.aw=M.sub.a)/M.sub.a
(3)
45. A measuring method of concrete materials, comprising the steps
of: throwing aggregate of a first kind and water into a
predetermined measurement tank so that the aggregate is submerged
in the water as submergence aggregate; measuring total mass
M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate; calculating mass M.sub.a1 of
the aggregate of the first kind in a saturated surface-dried
condition by solving the following two formulas:
M.sub.a1+M.sub.w=M.sub.f (7)
M.sub.a1/.rho..sub.a1+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f1 (8) where
V.sub.f1 is a total volume of the submergence aggregate,
.rho..sub.a1 is a density of the aggregate of the first kind in the
saturated surface-dried condition, and .rho..sub.w is a density of
the water; throwing aggregate of a second kind and required water
into said measurement tank so that the aggregate of the second kind
is submerged in the water as submergence aggregate; measuring total
mass M.sub.f2 of the submergence aggregate; calculating mass
M.sub.a2 of the aggregate of the second kind in a saturated
surface-dried condition by solving the following two formulas:
M.sub.a1+M.sub.a2+M.sub.w=M.sub.f2 (9)
M.sub.a1/.rho..sub.a1+M.sub.a2/.rho..sub.a2+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f2
(10) where V.sub.f2 is a total volume of the submergence aggregate
and .rho..sub.a2 is a density of the aggregate of the second kind
in the saturated surface-dried condition; hereinafter, repeating
the above procedure for sequential calculation up to mass
M.sub.a(N-1) of aggregate of an (N-1)th kind in a saturated
surface-dried condition; finally throwing aggregate of an Nth kind
and required water into said measurement tank so that the aggregate
of the Nth kind is submerged in the water as submergence aggregate;
measuring total mass M.sub.fN of the submergence aggregate; and
calculating mass M.sub.aN of the aggregate of the Nth kind in a
saturated surface-dried condition and mass M.sub.w of the water by
solving the following two formulas: .SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to
(N-1))+M.sub.aN+M.sub.w=M.sub.fN (11)
.SIGMA.M.sub.ai/.rho..sub.ai(i=1 to
(N-1))+M.sub.aN/.rho..sub.aN+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.fN (12)
where V.sub.fN is a total volume of the submergence aggregate and
.rho..sub.aN is a density of the aggregate of the Nth kind in the
saturated surface-dried condition, wherein the aggregate of the
i-th kind (i=1 to N) is thrown into the measurement tank at a
predetermined speed and continuously or intermittently while
measuring the total mass M.sub.fi (i=1 to N) of the submergence
aggregate in real time or at predetermined time intervals and
throwing the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) is terminated
when the mass M.sub.ai (I=1 to N) of the aggregate in the saturated
surface-dried condition reaches a scheduled input.
46. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
45, wherein the total volume V.sub.fi (i=1 to N) of the submergence
aggregate is maintained at a steady value V.sub.f when the water
and the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) are thrown as
submergence aggregate into said measurement tank.
47. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
45, further comprising the steps of: measuring mass M.sub.I of the
water supplied to said measurement tank and mass M.sub.O of the
water discharged from said measurement tank as accumulation values;
calculating .SIGMA.M.sub.awj (j=1 to i) by solving the following
formula: .SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to i)=M.sub.fi-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O)
(14); calculating M.sub.awi by solving the following formula:
.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to i)-.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to (i-1)) (15); and
calculating a percentage of surface moisture of the aggregate of
the i-th kind (i=1 to N) by substituting the M.sub.awi for the
following formula: (M.sub.awi-M.sub.ai)/M.sub.ai (13)
48. A measuring method of concrete materials, comprising the steps
of: calculating a mean-density .rho..sub.ave of whole aggregate
from a mass ratio of aggregate of an i-th kind (i=1 to N) and
density .rho..sub.ai (i=1 to N) of the aggregate of the i-th kind
(i=1 to N) in the saturated surface-dried condition; throwing the
aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) and water into a
predetermined measurement tank so that the aggregate of the i-th
kind (i=1 to N) is submerged in the water as submergence aggregate;
measuring total mass M.sub.f of the submergence aggregate; and
calculating summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1 to N), that is, total
mass of the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) in the saturated
surface-dried condition and mass M.sub.w of the water by solving
the following two formulas: .SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to
N)+M.sub.w=M.sub.f (25) .SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to
N)/.rho..sub.ave+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f (26) where V.sub.f is
a total volume of the submergence aggregate and .rho..sub.w is a
density of the water, wherein the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1
to N) is thrown into the measurement tank at a predetermined speed
and continuously or intermittently while measuring the total mass
M.sub.f of the submergence aggregate in real time or at
predetermined time intervals and throwing the aggregate of the i-th
kind (i=1 to N) is terminated when the summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai
(i=1 to N) of the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) in the
saturated surface-dried condition reaches a scheduled input.
49. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
48, wherein the total volume V.sub.f of the submergence aggregate
is maintained at a steady value when the water and the aggregate of
the i-th kind (i=1 to N) are thrown as submergence aggregate into
said measurement tank.
50. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
48, further comprising the steps of: measuring mass M.sub.I of the
water supplied to said measurement tank and mass M.sub.O of the
water discharged from said measurement tank; calculating
.SIGMA.M.sub.awi (i=1 to N) by solving the following formula:
.SIGMA.M.sub.awi(i=1 to N)=M.sub.f-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (28); and
calculating an average percentage of surface moisture of the
aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) by substituting the
.SIGMA.M.sub.awi value for the following formula:
(.SIGMA.M.sub.awi(i=1 to N)-.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to
N))/.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to N) (27)
51. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
42, wherein an air content of the submergence aggregate is a (%)
and Vf(1-a/100) is used instead of said Vf.
52. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
44, wherein an air content of the submergence aggregate is a (%)
and V.sub.f(1-a/100) is used instead of said V.sub.f.
53. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
47, wherein an air content of the submergence aggregate is a (%)
and V.sub.f(1-a/100) is used instead of said V.sub.f.
54. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
50, wherein an air content of the submergence aggregate is a (%)
and V.sub.f(1-a/100) is used instead of said V.sub.f.
55. A measuring method of concrete materials, comprising the steps
of: setting target mass M.sub.di (i=1 to N) of submergence
aggregate at an end of throwing aggregate of an i-th kind (i=1 to
N); throwing aggregate of a first kind and water into a
predetermined measurement tank so that the aggregate of the first
kind is submerged in the water as submergence aggregate; measuring
total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate; measuring total
volume V.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate; calculating mass
M.sub.a1 of the aggregate of the first kind in a saturated
surface-dried condition by substituting the total mass M.sub.f1 and
the total volume V.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate for the
following formula:
M.sub.a1=.rho..sub.a1(M.sub.f1-.rho..sub.wV.sub.f1)/(.rho..sub.a1-.rho..s-
ub.w) (32) where .rho..sub.a1 is a density of the aggregate of the
first kind in the saturated surface-dried condition and .rho..sub.w
is a density of the water; throwing aggregate of a second kind into
said measurement tank so that the aggregate of the second kind is
submerged in the water as submergence aggregate; measuring total
mass M.sub.f2 of the submergence aggregate; measuring total volume
V.sub.f2 of the submergence aggregate; calculating mass M.sub.a2 of
the aggregate of the second kind in a saturated surface-dried
condition by substituting the total mass M.sub.a2 and the total
volume V.sub.a2 of the submergence aggregate for the following
formula:
M.sub.a2=.rho..sub.a2((M.sub.f2-M.sub.a1)-.rho..sub.w(V.sub.f2-M.sub.a1/.-
rho..sub.a1))/(.rho..sub.a2-.rho..sub.w) (33) where .rho..sub.a1 is
a density of the aggregate of the first kind in the saturated
surface-dried condition, .rho..sub.a2 is a density of the aggregate
of the second kind in the saturated surface-dried condition, and
.rho..sub.w is a density of the water; hereinafter, repeating the
above procedure for sequential calculation up to mass M.sub.a(N-1)
of aggregate of an (N-1)th kind in a saturated surface-dried
condition; finally throwing aggregate of an Nth kind into said
measurement tank so that the aggregate of the Nth kind is submerged
in the water as submergence aggregate; measuring total mass
M.sub.fN of the submergence aggregate; and calculating mass
M.sub.aN of the aggregate of the Nth kind in a saturated
surface-dried condition and mass M.sub.w of the water by
substituting the total mass M.sub.fN and the total volume V.sub.fN
of the submergence aggregate for the following formulas:
M.sub.aN=.rho..sub.aN((M.sub.fN-.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to
(N-1)))-.rho..sub.w(V.sub.fN-.SIGMA.(M.sub.ai/.rho..sub.ai)(i=1 to
(N-1))))/(.rho..sub.aN-.rho..sub.w) (34)
M.sub.w=.rho..sub.w(.rho..sub.aN(V.sub.fN-.SIGMA.(M.sub.ai/.rho..sub.ai)(-
i=1 to (N-1)))-(M.sub.fN-.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to
(N-1))))/(.rho..sub.aN-.rho..sub.w) (35) where .rho..sub.ai (i=1 to
N) is a density of the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) in the
saturated surface-dried condition and .rho..sub.w is a density of
the water; wherein the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) is
thrown into the measurement tank at a predetermined speed and
continuously or intermittently while measuring the total mass
M.sub.fi (i=1 to N) of the submergence aggregate in real time or at
predetermined time intervals and throwing aggregate of a jth kind
is terminated when total mass M.sub.fj of the submergence aggregate
in the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) reaches the target
mass M.sub.dj of the submergence aggregate at the end of throwing
the aggregate of the jth kind during throwing the aggregate of the
jth kind.
56. A measuring method of concrete materials, comprising the steps
of: setting target mass M.sub.di (i=1 to N) of submergence
aggregate at an end of throwing aggregate of an i-th kind (i=1 to
N); throwing aggregate of a first kind and water into a
predetermined measurement tank so that the aggregate of the first
kind is submerged in the water as submergence aggregate; measuring
total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate; calculating mass
M.sub.a1 of the aggregate of the first kind in a saturated
surface-dried condition by substituting the total mass M.sub.f1 of
the submergence aggregate and total volume V.sub.f1 of the
submergence aggregate corresponding to a preset first water level
for the following formula:
M.sub.a1=.rho..sub.a1(M.sub.f1-.rho..sub.wV.sub.f1)/(.rho..sub.a1-.rho..s-
ub.w) (32) where .rho..sub.a1 is a density of the aggregate of the
first kind in the saturated surface-dried condition and .rho..sub.w
is a density of the water; throwing aggregate of a second kind into
said measurement tank so that the aggregate of the second kind is
submerged in the water as submergence aggregate; measuring total
mass M.sub.f2 of the submergence aggregate; calculating mass
M.sub.a2 of the aggregate of the second kind in a saturated
surface-dried condition by substituting the total mass M.sub.a2 of
the submergence aggregate and the total volume V.sub.a2 of the
submergence aggregate corresponding to a preset second water level
for the following formula:
M.sub.a2=.rho..sub.a2((M.sub.f2-M.sub.a1)-.rho..sub.w(V.sub.f2-M.sub.a1/.-
rho..sub.a1))/(.rho..sub.a2-.rho..sub.w) (33) where .rho..sub.a1 is
a density of the aggregate of the first kind in the saturated
surface-dried condition, .rho..sub.a2 is a density of the aggregate
of the second kind in the saturated surface-dried condition, and
.rho..sub.w is a density of the water; hereinafter, repeating the
above procedure for sequential calculation up to mass M.sub.a(N-1)
of aggregate of an (N-1)th kind in a saturated surface-dried
condition; finally throwing aggregate of an Nth kind into said
measurement tank so that the aggregate of the Nth kind is submerged
in the water as submergence aggregate; measuring total mass
M.sub.fN of the submergence aggregate; and calculating mass
M.sub.aN of the aggregate of the Nth kind in a saturated
surface-dried condition and mass M.sub.w of the water by
substituting the total mass M.sub.fN of the submergence aggregate
and the total volume V.sub.fN of the submergence aggregate
corresponding to a preset Nth water level for the following
formulas: M.sub.aN=.rho..sub.aN((M.sub.fN-.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to
(N-1)))-.rho..sub.w(V.sub.fN-.SIGMA.(M.sub.ai/.rho..sub.ai)(i=1 to
(N-1))))/(.rho..sub.aN-.rho..sub.w) (34)
M.sub.w=.rho..sub.w(.rho..sub.aN(V.sub.fN-.SIGMA.(M.sub.ai/.rho..sub.ai)(-
i=1 to (N-1)))-(M.sub.fN-.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to
(N-1))))/(.rho..sub.aN-.rho..sub.w) (35) where .rho..sub.ai (i=1 to
N) is a density of the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) in the
saturated surface-dried condition and .rho..sub.w is a density of
the water; wherein the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) is
thrown into the measurement tank at a predetermined speed and
continuously or intermittently while measuring the total mass
M.sub.fi (i=1 to N) of the submergence aggregate in real time or at
predetermined time intervals and throwing aggregate of a jth kind
is terminated when total mass M.sub.fj of the submergence aggregate
in the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) reaches the target
mass M.sub.dj of the submergence aggregate during throwing the
aggregate of the jth kind while excess water is discharged so that
the water level of the submergence aggregate does not exceed a
preset jth water level and wherein, unless the water level of the
submergence aggregate at that time reaches the preset jth water
level, water is added so that it reaches the jth water level for
re-measuring the total mass M.sub.fj of the submergence aggregate
and re-calculating the mass M.sub.aj of the aggregate of the jth
kind in the saturated surface-dried condition and the mass M.sub.w
of the water.
57. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
55, further comprising the steps of: measuring mass M.sub.I of the
water supplied to said measurement tank and mass M.sub.O of the
water discharged from said measurement tank as accumulation values;
calculating .SIGMA.M.sub.awj (j=1 to i) by substituting the mass
M.sub.I of the water to said measurement tank, the mass M.sub.O of
the water from said measurement tank, and the total mass M.sub.fi
(i=1 to N) for the following formula: .SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to
i)=M.sub.fi-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (14); calculating M.sub.awi by
solving the following formula: .SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to
i)-.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to (i-1)) (15); and calculating a
percentage of surface moisture of the aggregate of the i-th kind
(i=1 to N) by substituting the M.sub.awi for the following formula:
(M.sub.awi-M.sub.ai)/M.sub.ai (13)
58. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
55, wherein an air content of the submergence aggregate is a (%)
and V.sub.fi (i=1 to N)(1-a/100) is used instead of said V.sub.fi
(i=1 to N).
59. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
57, wherein an air content of the submergence aggregate is a (%)
and V.sub.fi (i=1 to N)(1-a/100) is used instead of said V.sub.fi
(i=1 to N).
60-76. (canceled)
77. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
15, wherein an air content of the submergence aggregate is a (%)
and V.sub.f(1-a/100) is used instead of said V.sub.f.
78. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
16, wherein an air content of the submergence aggregate is a (%)
and V.sub.f(1-a/100) is used instead of said V.sub.f.
79. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
27, further comprising the steps of: measuring the mass M.sub.awi
of the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) in wet condition; and
calculating a percentage of surface moisture of the aggregate of
the i-th kind (i=1 to N) by solving the following formula:
(M.sub.awi-M.sub.ai)/M.sub.ai (13)
80. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
27, further comprising the steps of: measuring mass M.sub.I of the
water supplied to said measurement tank and mass M.sub.O of the
water discharged from said measurement tank as accumulation values;
calculating .SIGMA.M.sub.awj (j=1 to i) by solving the following
formula: .SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to i)=M.sub.fi-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O)
(14); calculating M.sub.awi by solving the following formula:
.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to i)-.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to (i-1)) (15); and
calculating a percentage of surface moisture of the aggregate of
the i-th kind (i=1 to N) by substituting the M.sub.awi for the
following formula: (M.sub.awi-M.sub.ai)/M.sub.ai (13)
81. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
27, wherein an air content of the submergence aggregate is a (%)
and V.sub.fi (i=1 to N)(1-a/100) or V.sub.f(1-a/100) is used
instead of said V.sub.fi (i=1 to N) or V.sub.f.
82. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
30, wherein an air content of the submergence aggregate is a (%)
and V.sub.fi (i=1 to N)(1-a/100) or V.sub.f(1-a/100) is used
instead of said V.sub.fi (i=1 to N) or V.sub.f.
83. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
35, further comprising the steps of: measuring summation
.SIGMA.M.sub.awi (i=1 to N), that is, total mass of the aggregate
of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) in wet condition; and calculating an
average percentage of surface moisture of the aggregate of the i-th
kind (i=1 to N) by solving the following formula:
(.SIGMA.M.sub.awi(i=1 to N)-.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to
N))/.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to N) (27)
84. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
35, further comprising the steps of: measuring mass M.sub.I of the
water supplied to said measurement tank and mass M.sub.O of the
water discharged from said measurement tank; calculating
.SIGMA.M.sub.awi (i=1 to N) by solving the following formula:
.SIGMA.M.sub.awi(i=1 to N)=M.sub.f-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (28); and
calculating an average percentage of surface moisture of the
aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) by substituting the
.SIGMA.M.sub.awi value for the following formula:
(.SIGMA.M.sub.awi(i=1 to N)-.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to
N))/.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to N) (27)
85. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
35, wherein an air content of the submergence aggregate is a (%)
and V.sub.f(1-a/100) is used instead of said V.sub.f.
86. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
38, wherein an air content of the submergence aggregate is a (%)
and V.sub.f(1-a/100) is used instead of said V.sub.f.
87. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
43, further comprising the steps of: measuring mass M.sub.I of the
water supplied to said measurement tank and mass M.sub.O of the
water discharged from said measurement tank as accumulation values;
calculating M.sub.aw by solving the following formula:
M.sub.aw=M.sub.f-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (4); and calculating a
percentage of surface moisture of the aggregate by substituting the
M.sub.aw for the following formula: (M.sub.aw-M.sub.a)/M.sub.a
(3)
88. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
46, further comprising the steps of: measuring mass M.sub.I of the
water supplied to said measurement tank and mass M.sub.O of the
water discharged from said measurement tank as accumulation values;
calculating .SIGMA.M.sub.awj (j=1 to i) by solving the following
formula: .SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to i)=M.sub.fi-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O)
(14); calculating M.sub.awi by solving the following formula:
.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to i)-.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to (i-1)) (15); and
calculating a percentage of surface moisture of the aggregate of
the i-th kind (i=1 to N) by substituting the M.sub.awi for the
following formula: (M.sub.awi-M.sub.ai)/M.sub.ai (13)
89. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
49, further comprising the steps of: measuring mass M.sub.I of the
water supplied to said measurement tank and mass M.sub.O of the
water discharged from said measurement tank; calculating
.SIGMA.M.sub.awi (i=1 to N) by solving the following formula:
.SIGMA.M.sub.awi(i=1 to N)=M.sub.f-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (28); and
calculating an average percentage of surface moisture of the
aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) by substituting the
.SIGMA.M.sub.awi value for the following formula:
(.SIGMA.M.sub.awi(i=1 to N)-.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to
N))/.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to N) (27)
90. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
43, wherein an air content of the submergence aggregate is a (%)
and V.sub.f(1-a/100) is used instead of said V.sub.f.
91. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
45, wherein an air content of the submergence aggregate is a (%)
and V.sub.f(1-a/100) is used instead of said V.sub.f.
92. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
46, wherein an air content of the submergence aggregate is a (%)
and V.sub.f(1-a/100) is used instead of said V.sub.f.
93. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
48, wherein an air content of the submergence aggregate is a (%)
and V.sub.f(1-a/100) is used instead of said V.sub.f.
94. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
49, wherein an air content of the submergence aggregate is a (%)
and V.sub.f(1-a/100) is used instead of said V.sub.f.
95. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
56, further comprising the steps of: measuring mass M.sub.I of the
water supplied to said measurement tank and mass M.sub.O of the
water discharged from said measurement tank as accumulation values;
calculating .SIGMA.M.sub.awj (j=1 to i) by substituting the mass
M.sub.I of the water to said measurement tank, the mass M.sub.O of
the water from said measurement tank, and the total mass M.sub.fi
(i=1 to N) for the following formula: .SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to
i)=M.sub.fi-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (14); calculating M.sub.awi by
solving the following formula: .SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to
i)-.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to (i-1)) (15); and calculating a
percentage of surface moisture of the aggregate of the i-th kind
(i=1 to N) by substituting the M.sub.awi for the following formula:
(M.sub.awi-M.sub.ai)/M.sub.ai (13)
96. The measuring method of concrete materials according to claim
56, wherein an air content of the submergence aggregate is a (%)
and V.sub.fi (i=1 to N)(1-a/100) is used instead of said V.sub.fi
(i=1 to N).
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring apparatus and a
measuring method for concrete-forming materials which measure water
and aggregate whose moisture state is not uniform.
[0002] When kneading concrete-forming materials on site, it is
necessary to manage appropriately an amount of water since it has a
strong influence on strength of concrete and the like. However, a
moisture state of the aggregate, which is a concrete-forming
material, changes with storage situations, climatic conditions, and
the like. Therefore, if aggregate in a wet condition is used, an
amount of water in concrete will increase by an amount of surface
water of the aggregate. On the other hand, if aggregate in a dry
state is used, an amount of water in concrete will decrease by an
amount of water absorbed into the aggregate according to an
effective absorption of the aggregate.
[0003] Therefore, in order to make concrete as a specified mix, it
becomes very important in a case of kneading of concrete-forming
materials to correct the amount of water according to a
dryness-and-moisture grade of aggregate.
[0004] Here, aggregate generally stored, especially fine aggregate
is wet in many cases. Therefore, it is common to measure a
percentage of surface moisture of aggregate beforehand, and to
adjust the amount of water based on the percentage of surface
moisture measured.
[0005] A percentage of surface moisture, which is an index
pertaining to dryness and moisture of aggregate, is obtained by
dividing a mass of surface water of the aggregate (water adhering
to a front face of the aggregate in a wet condition) by mass of the
aggregate in a saturated surface-dried condition. Here, the
aggregate in the saturated surface-dried condition means aggregate
whose front face is dry and whose core is saturated with water.
[0006] And conventionally, in measurement of such percentage of
surface moisture, a small amount of sample is extracted from a
storage container called a stock bin in which aggregate is stored
for measuring the mass of the sample and the mass of the sample
dried completely. Next, the percentage of surface moisture was
computed by using these measured values and a coefficient of water
absorption of the aggregate measured beforehand.
[0007] However, by such a measuring method, since a percentage of
surface moisture of aggregate in the stock bin is guessed from few
samples, accuracy is inferior. On the other hand, in order to
measure the mass of aggregate dried completely, heating by a burner
and the like is needed. Therefore, it is impractical to measure the
mass of aggregate dried completely whose amount is near an actually
used amount since much time and expense are needed.
[0008] In order to avoid such a problem, an operator checks a
kneading situation visually or adjusts an amount of water by using
an electric-current value of a mixer. However, these methods have
low accuracy primarily. Therefore, as a result, in order to secure
strength of concrete, it is necessary to expect nearly twenty
superfluous factors of safety, and this leads to an uneconomical
mix proportion.
[0009] Especially in mixing a plurality of aggregates, kinds of
which are different in terms of density and grading, for example,
the problem mentioned above becomes still more serious.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a measuring apparatus and a measuring method for
concrete-forming materials which can measure mass of aggregate and
water correctly even if a percentage of surface moisture of the
aggregate is not measured.
[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
measuring method for concrete-forming materials which can measure
correctly mass of a plurality of aggregates, kinds of which are
different, and mass of water.
[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
measuring method for concrete-forming materials which can measure
mass of aggregate and water correctly taking into consideration a
percentage of surface moisture of the aggregate.
[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
measuring method for concrete-forming materials, a measuring
program for concrete-forming materials, and a recording medium of
this measurement, which can measure mass of aggregate and water
correctly taking into consideration a percentage of surface
moisture of the aggregate.
[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
discharge mechanism of a measurement container which can prevent
lowering of water-tightness and damage on a seal by aggregate
intervening between a body of the measurement container and a
bottom lid of the measurement container when measuring aggregate
and water as submergence aggregate.
[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
discharge mechanism of a measurement container which can feed
certainly water and aggregate into a kneading mixer, which are
correctly measured as submergence aggregate, when measuring
aggregate and water as submergence aggregate.
[0016] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
measuring apparatus of concrete-forming materials which can
maintain accuracy of aggregate measurement uniformly without making
it dependent on an amount of aggregate.
(Measurement by a Submergence Method)
[0017] In order to measure aggregate and water using the measuring
apparatus for concrete-forming materials according to one aspect of
the present invention, aggregate in an arbitrary wet condition is
first breathed out from a discharge opening of an aggregate feed
hopper. Next, this breathed-out aggregate is put into a measurement
tank with water. The aggregate is thoroughly sunk within the
measurement tank as submergence aggregate.
[0018] Next, while measuring total mass M.sub.f of the submergence
aggregate which consists of the aggregate and the water which are
held in the measurement tank with means for measuring mass, total
volume V.sub.f is measured with means for measuring a water level.
For example, a load cell can be used as means for measuring mass,
and an electrode-type displacement sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a
photosensor, or the like can be used as means for measuring a water
level.
[0019] The total mass M.sub.f is obtained just by subtracting the
mass of only the measurement tank from the value measured by the
means for measuring mass as an example. In order to measure the
total volume V.sub.f, first, a relationship between a level and a
corresponding capacity is previously measured at 1-mm intervals,
for example, and a storage device in a computer, for example, is
made to store the relationship in advance so as to read
appropriately a capacity corresponding to the measured level from
the storage device.
[0020] Next, mass M.sub.w of water and mass M.sub.a of the
aggregate in a saturated surface-dried condition are computed by
substituting the total mass M.sub.f and total volume V.sub.f into
the following two formulas. M.sub.a+M.sub.w=M.sub.f (1)
M.sub.a/.rho..sub.a+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f(1-a/100) (2-a)
Here, .rho..sub.a expresses density of the aggregate in the
saturated surface-dried condition, .rho..sub.w expresses density of
water, and "a" expresses air content (%) included in total volume
V.sub.f.
[0021] When air content can be disregarded, the mass M.sub.w of
water and the mass M.sub.a of the aggregate in the saturated
surface-dried condition are computed by solving the following two
formulas. M.sub.a+M.sub.w=M.sub.f (1)
M.sub.a/.rho..sub.a+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f (2)
[0022] Next, the mass M.sub.w of water and the mass M.sub.a of the
aggregate in the saturated surface-dried condition are compared
with a mix proportion shown by a specified mix. Subsequently, an
insufficiency which should be remedied by filling is measured and
then the submergence aggregate is supplemented by an amount of the
insufficiency so as to allow the aggregate and the water to be
concrete material.
[0023] Thus, surface water of aggregate is indirectly computed as a
part of the mass M.sub.w of water, even if aggregate whose moisture
state is not uniform is used, and the mass of aggregate is computed
as mass M.sub.a in the saturated surface-dried condition. That is,
since the mass of aggregate and water will be computed on the same
conditions as the specified mix, even if aggregate whose moisture
state is not uniform is used, concrete can be made by the amount of
water as that of the specified mix.
[0024] Here, when a supplement of aggregate is needed, the surface
water of the aggregate is not strictly taken into consideration.
However, the amount of supplement is limited to be small by
measuring an amount of aggregate and water whose ratio matches the
ratio of the specified mix or is close to it. And since the surface
water of aggregate adhering to supplement aggregate is a slight
amount of a grade which can be disregarded when compared with
required amount of water, a problem is not produced at all in terms
of quality of concrete.
[0025] When putting aggregate and water into the measurement tank,
it is good to supply them to the measurement tank, and perform
water binding of the aggregate so that a top of the aggregate may
be mostly in agreement with the water level. By so doing, the ratio
of the aggregate and the water in the measurement tank becomes
close to the specified mix, thereby reducing an amount of
supplement of aggregate dramatically.
[0026] A volume of the measurement tank is arbitrary. That is, the
volume of the measurement tank may be made in agreement with the
entire quantity required for a unit of concrete mixing, i.e., one
batch. Otherwise, the quantity required can be some amount in the
measurement tank.
[0027] A particle diameter of the aggregate is arbitrary and fine
aggregate and coarse aggregate are included in the term of the
aggregate. Although it is arbitrary as to how the measurement tank
is constituted, if the aggregate is fine aggregate, the submergence
fine aggregate can be easily taken out after a measurement process
by forming the measurement tank in a shape of a truncated cone so
that a bore of the measurement tank may spread downwardly.
[0028] In throwing the fine aggregate and the water into the
measurement tank, it is arbitrary as to which should be made to
precede, but if the water is thrown in previously and the fine
aggregate is thrown in there after, air bubble mixing in the
submergence fine aggregate can be suppressed considerably.
[0029] The fine aggregate breathed out from the fine-aggregate feed
hopper may be directly thrown into the measurement tank. Here,
while placing a screen device above the measurement tank, a
vibrating feeder can be placed so that a conveyance starting
position is located in a discharge opening under the fine-aggregate
feed hopper, and so that a conveyance end location is located in
the screen device. In this case, the fine aggregate breathed out
from the discharge opening of the fine-aggregate feed hopper is
conveyed by the vibrating feeder to the screen device, while a
predetermined vibration is given. Next, the fine aggregate is
thrown into the measurement tank, into which water is thrown
previously, via the vibrating feeder and the screen device.
According to this constitution, granulation of the fine aggregate
is prevented, by which it becomes possible to suppress nearly
thoroughly mixing of air bubbles in the submergence fine aggregate,
and an influence of air bubbles can be disregarded practically.
[0030] In order to prevent air bubble mixing by using the vibrating
feeder and the screen device, the following procedures should be
used for measurement.
[0031] First, water is previously thrown into the measurement tank.
Next, a discharge of the fine aggregate in arbitrary wet conditions
is performed from the discharge opening of the fine-aggregate feed
hopper. Subsequently, the fine aggregate is conveyed by the
vibrating feeder, preventing granulation of this breathed-out fine
aggregate by vibration using the vibrating feeder. Next, the fine
aggregate conveyed from the vibrating feeder is vibrated on the
screen device, only the fine aggregate of a predetermined particle
diameter is dropped from the screen device, and this is supplied to
the measurement tank. The water and the fine aggregate which are
thrown into the measurement tank in such a procedure turn into a
submergence fine aggregate.
[0032] Next, total mass M.sub.f and total volume V.sub.f of the
submergence fine aggregate held in the measurement tank are
similarly measured as mentioned above, respectively, by the means
for measuring mass and the means for measuring a water level.
[0033] Next, the mass M.sub.w of the water and the mass M.sub.a of
the fine aggregate in a saturated surface-dried condition are
computed by substituting the total mass M.sub.f and the total
volume V.sub.f into the following two formulas.
M.sub.a+M.sub.w=M.sub.f (1)
M.sub.a/.rho..sub.a+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f (2) Here,
.rho..sub.a is the density of the fine aggregate in the saturated
surface-dried condition, and .rho..sub.w is the density of
water.
[0034] Thus, the mass M.sub.w of the water and the mass M.sub.a of
the fine aggregate in the saturated surface-dried condition are
computed, and then M.sub.w and M.sub.a are compared with the
specified mix. Subsequently, an insufficiency is measured and then
the submergence aggregate is supplemented by an amount of the
insufficiency so as to allow the aggregate and the water be
concrete material.
(Measurement by a Submergence Method which does not Need Capacity
Measurement)
[0035] In a measuring apparatus and a measuring method for
concrete-forming materials according to another aspect of the
invention, an interior of a measurement tank is first changed into
a water-tight state by closing a bottom opening of the measurement
tank by a bottom lid. Next, aggregate is thrown in the measurement
tank by means for supplying aggregate, and water is thrown in the
measurement tank by means for supplying water, so that the interior
of the measurement tank may be in a submergence state.
[0036] When throwing the aggregate and the water into the
measurement tank, it is arbitrary as to which should be thrown
first, but if the water is thrown in first and the aggregate is
thrown in later, especially in the case of the fine aggregate, air
bubble mixing in the submergence aggregate can be suppressed
considerably.
[0037] Here, a predetermined opening for overflow, for making the
water in the measurement tank overflow outside, is formed in a wall
of the measurement tank at a predetermined height location of the
measurement tank. The water and the aggregate are thrown into the
measurement tank, and fill the interior of the measurement tank
with submergence aggregate so that the aggregate may not come out
from a water surface, and so that water may overflow from the
opening for overflow.
[0038] Here, a water level at which water overflows from the
opening for overflow is decided beforehand. Therefore, by filling
the submergence aggregate in the procedure mentioned above, even if
total volume Vf of the submergence aggregate is not measured, it
becomes settled naturally.
[0039] Accordingly, if only total mass M.sub.f of the submergence
aggregate is measured with means for measuring mass of submergence
aggregate, the mass M.sub.a of the aggregate in the saturated
surface-dried condition and the mass M.sub.w of the water can be
easily calculated by solving the following two formulas.
M.sub.a+M.sub.w=M.sub.f (1)
M.sub.a/.rho..sub.a+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f (2) Here,
.rho..sub.a is the density of the aggregate in the saturated
surface-dried condition, and .rho..sub.w is the density of the
water. In order to measure the total mass M.sub.f of the
submergence aggregate, the mass of only the measurement tank is
subtracted from the value measured by the means for measuring mass
of submergence aggregate.
[0040] Thus, after measuring and computing the mass M.sub.w of the
water, and the mass M.sub.a of the aggregate in the saturated
surface-dried condition, M.sub.w and M.sub.a are compared with
those amounts of mix shown by the specified mix. Subsequently,
insufficiency is measured and then the submergence aggregate is
supplemented by an amount of the insufficiency so as to allow the
aggregate and the water to be concrete material. When there is too
much water, a surplus is sucked with a vacuum or the like.
[0041] Thus, surface water of aggregate is indirectly computed as a
part of the mass M.sub.w of water, even if aggregate whose moisture
state is not uniform is used, and mass of aggregate is computed as
mass M.sub.a in the saturated surface-dried condition. That is,
since the mass of the aggregate and the water will be grasped on
conditions equivalent to the specified mix, even if an aggregate
whose moisture state is not uniform is used, it becomes possible to
make concrete by the amount of water as that of the specified
mix.
[0042] Although fine aggregate is mainly targeted for aggregate, it
is applicable to use coarse aggregate.
[0043] When a plurality of openings for overflow are provided in
the measurement tank at different heights, it becomes unnecessary
to prepare a measurement tank for each total volume V.sub.f
individually, although it is arbitrary as to how each opening for
overflow is formed in a measurement tank. In this constitution,
only the opening for overflow corresponding to the total volume
V.sub.f to measure is opened, and other openings for overflow are
altogether sealed, for example, using seal plugs.
[0044] On the other hand, when an overflow height of a opening for
overflow is constituted as being adjustable, it becomes unnecessary
to prepare a measurement tank for each total volume V.sub.f
individually, even if it does not provide a plurality of openings
for overflow. In order to constitute the overflow height of the
opening for overflow as adjustable, a predetermined cover plate is
attached to the opening for overflow so that a water-tight state
with the opening for overflow may be maintained, and so that the
plate can be moved up and down along the measurement tank. Thus,
since the cover plate can cover a part of the opening for overflow
which exists below a desired overflow height, it becomes possible
to adjust the water level at which water of the submergence
aggregate in the measurement tank overflows.
[0045] Configuration of the measurement tank is arbitrary as long
as the submergence aggregate can be held. For example, it is
possible to constitute a measurement tank in a shape of a hollow
cylinder. Here, if a measurement tank is formed in a shape of a
hollow truncated cone, a bore of the measurement tank will become
large, as it goes downward. Therefore, since it is prevented that
the submergence aggregate remains in the measurement tank, when a
measurement is finished, only by opening the bottom lid of the
measurement tank, free fall of the submergence aggregate in the
measurement tank occurs, and the submergence aggregate can be
removed easily.
[0046] If free fall of the submergence aggregate cannot be
performed thoroughly due to aggregate adhesion in the measurement
tank, compaction of aggregate, and the like, this problem can be
solved by attaching oscillating grant instruments, such as a
vibrator and a knocker, exteriorly of the measurement tank.
[0047] Here, a predetermined vibrator can be installed above the
measurement tank so that it can go up and down freely, and so that
it may be buried in the submergence aggregate in the measurement
tank at a downward location. In this case, during aggregate charge
or after the charge, the vibrator is lowered and operated.
[0048] By so doing, the aggregate supplied in the measurement tank
will become flat by vibration, and this aggregate will not come out
on the water surface. A volume of the measurement tank is arbitrary
and can be made equal to the entire quantity required for mixing of
one batch. Otherwise, the quantity required can be divided into
some amounts in the measurement tank.
[0049] The means for supplying aggregate is constituted so that the
aggregate can be stored, and so that discharge of a necessary
amount can be performed. The means for supplying aggregate can
consist of a hopper, for example. If a means for measuring mass of
aggregate which measures the mass of the aggregate in the means for
supplying aggregate is provided, the mass M.sub.a of the aggregate
in the saturated surface-dried condition and the mass M.sub.w of
the water can be calculated easily. In addition, a percentage of
surface moisture of the aggregate is also computable.
[0050] That is, if mass of the aggregate in the wet condition is
set to M.sub.aw, the percentage of surface moisture of the
aggregate is computable by the following formula.
(M.sub.aw-M.sub.a)/M.sub.a (3)
[0051] If means for measuring mass of supplied water provided in
the means for supplying water in order to measure the mass of the
water in the measurement tank, and means for measuring mass of
overflow water for measuring the mass of the water which overflowed
from the opening for overflow, are provided, the mass M.sub.a of
the aggregate in the saturated surface-dried condition and the mass
M.sub.w of the water can be calculated easily. In addition, a
percentage of surface moisture of the aggregate is computable. That
is, when the amount of supplied water is set to M.sub.I and the
amount of overflow is set to M.sub.O, we have
M.sub.aw=M.sub.f-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (4) Hence, if this is
substituted for formula (3), the percentage of surface moisture of
the aggregate is computable.
[0052] Thus, if the percentage of surface moisture is computed in
advance, for the supplement of aggregate as mentioned above, the
surface water of the aggregate can be appropriately taken into
consideration also for a part for this supplement.
[0053] If air content (amount of air included in submergence
aggregate) a (%) is taken into consideration, the total volume
V.sub.f which is known will be multiplied by (1-a/100). Let this be
total volume V.sub.f anew. If this is the case, still
higher-precision measurement can be performed in the actual total
volume except the air content.
(Measurement by a Submergence Method which does not Need
Measurement of Capacity and Mass)
[0054] In a measuring apparatus and a measuring method of
concrete-forming materials according to still another aspect of the
invention, mass M.sub.aw of aggregate stored by an aggregate
measurement container is first measured by means for measuring mass
of aggregate.
[0055] Next, a bottom opening of the submergence aggregate
container is closed by a bottom lid, and an interior of the
submergence aggregate container is changed into a water-tight
state. Next, the above-mentioned aggregate is supplied to the
submergence aggregate container with water, and the interior of the
submergence aggregate container is filled with the submergence
aggregate.
[0056] In feeding the aggregate and the water into the submergence
aggregate container, it is arbitrary as to which should be made to
precede, but it is good to supply the water first and to supply the
aggregate subsequently. If this is done, it will become possible to
suppress air bubble mixing in the submergence aggregate
considerably, especially in a case of the fine aggregate.
[0057] Here, a predetermined opening for overflow is formed at the
predetermined height location of the wall of this submergence
aggregate container so that the water in the submergence aggregate
container may overflow outside. In order to supply the water and
the aggregate as submergence aggregate in such a submergence
aggregate container, the water and the aggregate are fed into the
submergence aggregate container so that the aggregate may not come
out from the water surface, and so that the water may overflow from
the opening for overflow. And while measuring the amount of
supplied water M.sub.I as an accumulation value, the amount M.sub.O
of overflow which overflowed from the opening for overflow is
measured as an accumulation value by a means for measuring mass of
overflow water.
[0058] Since a level of the water which overflows from the opening
for overflow is beforehand decided, it becomes unnecessary to
measure total volume V.sub.f, and this level serves as a known
value.
[0059] Next, while calculating mass M.sub.a of the aggregate in the
saturated surface-dried condition and mass M.sub.w of the water in
the submergence aggregate from the following formulas (5) and
formulas (2), a percentage of surface moisture of the aggregate is
computed by formula (3). M.sub.a+M.sub.w=M.sub.aw+(M.sub.I-M.sub.O)
(5) M.sub.a/.rho..sub.a+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f (2)
(M.sub.aw-M.sub.a)/M.sub.a (3) Here, .rho..sub.a is the density of
the aggregate in the saturated surface-dried condition, and
.rho..sub.w is the density of water.
[0060] Thus, the mass M.sub.w of the water, the mass M.sub.a of the
aggregate in the saturated surface-dried condition, and the
percentage of surface moisture are measured and computed, and then
these values are compared with a mix proportion shown by a
specified mix. An insufficiency is then measured. If the
insufficiency is the water, the above-mentioned submergence
aggregate is supplemented with the water equal to the amount of the
insufficiency so as to let the aggregate and the water be concrete
material. On the other hand, taking the surface water of the
aggregate into consideration using the computed percentage of
surface moisture, if the insufficiency is the aggregate, the
above-mentioned submergence aggregate is supplemented with the
aggregate equal to the amount of the insufficiency so as to let the
aggregate and the water be concrete material. When there is too
much water, the surplus is sucked with a vacuum or the like.
[0061] Thus, surface water of aggregate is indirectly computed as a
part of mass M.sub.w of water, even if aggregate whose moisture
state is not uniform is used. On the other hand, mass of the
aggregate is computed as mass M.sub.a in the saturated
surface-dried condition. That is, since mass of the aggregate and
water will be computed on conditions equivalent to the specified
mix, even if a humidity grade of aggregate is not fixed at every
measurement, it becomes possible to make concrete by the amount of
water as that of the specified mix.
[0062] Although fine aggregate is mainly targeted for aggregate, it
is applicable also to use coarse aggregate.
[0063] It is arbitrary as to how the amount of supplied water
M.sub.I of the water fed into the submergence aggregate container,
is measured. For example, the amount of supplied water M.sub.I of
the water can be known by feeding water into the submergence
aggregate container previously, and causing the water to overflow
therefrom. That is, since a water level at which water overflows
from the opening for overflow is decided beforehand, as mentioned
above, the amount of supplied water M.sub.I of the supplied water
serves as a known value, even if it is not measured.
[0064] Since the water level does not fall even if water may
overflow by subsequent aggregate throwing in this case, an
accumulation value of the amount of supplied water M.sub.I becomes
fixed during measurement.
[0065] Here, means for measuring mass of supplied water can be
provided in means for supplying water. In this case, the water
supply amount from the means for supplying water is measured as an
accumulation value by the means for measuring mass of supplied
water. Let this accumulation value be an amount of supplied water
M.sub.I.
[0066] When a plurality of openings for overflow are provided in
the submergence aggregate container at different heights, it
becomes unnecessary to prepare a measurement tank for each total
volume V.sub.f individually, although it is arbitrary as to how an
opening for overflow is formed in a submergence aggregate
container. In this constitution, only the opening for overflow
corresponding to the total volume V.sub.f to measure is opened, and
other openings for overflow are altogether sealed, for example,
using seal plugs.
[0067] When the overflow height of the opening for overflow is
constituted as being adjustable, it becomes unnecessary to prepare
a measurement tank for each total volume V.sub.f individually, even
if the measurement tank does not provide a plurality of openings
for overflow.
[0068] In order to constitute the overflow height of the opening
for overflow as being adjustable, a predetermined cover plate is
attached to the opening for overflow so that a water-tight state
with the opening for overflow may be maintained, and so that the
cover plate can go up and down along the submergence aggregate
container. Thus, since the cover plate can cover a part of the
opening for overflow which exists below the desired overflow
height, it becomes possible to adjust the water to a level at which
water of the submergence aggregate in the submergence aggregate
container overflows.
[0069] Configuration of the submergence aggregate container is
arbitrary as long as submergence aggregate can be held therein. For
example, it is possible to constitute a measurement tank in a shape
of a hollow cylinder. Here, if a submergence aggregate container is
formed in a shape of a hollow truncated cone, a bore of the
submergence aggregate container will become large in a downward
direction. Therefore, since it is prevented that the submergence
aggregate remains in the submergence aggregate container, when a
measurement is finished, only by opening the bottom lid of the
submergence aggregate container, free fall of the submergence
aggregate in the submergence aggregate container can be performed,
and the submergence aggregate can be removed easily.
[0070] If free fall of the submergence aggregate cannot be
performed thoroughly due to aggregate adhesion in the measurement
tank, compaction of aggregate, and the like, this can be resolved
by attaching oscillating grant instruments, such as a vibrator and
a knocker, exteriorly of the submergence aggregate container.
[0071] Here, a predetermined vibrator can be installed above the
submergence aggregate container so that the vibrator can move up
and down freely, and so that it may be buried in the submergence
aggregate in the submergence aggregate container at a downward
location. In this case, during the aggregate charge or after the
charge, the vibrator is lowered and operated.
[0072] By so doing, the aggregate supplied in the submergence
aggregate container will become flat by vibration, and the
aggregate will not come out on the water surface.
[0073] A volume of a submergence aggregate container is arbitrary.
That is, the volume of the submergence aggregate container may be
made in agreement with an entire quantity required for a unit of
concrete mixing, i.e., one batch. Otherwise, the required quantity
can be divided into some amounts in the submergence aggregate
container.
(Measurement by a Submergence Method in a Case of Supplying
Cumulatively a Plurality of Aggregates, Kinds of which are
Different)
[0074] In a measuring method of concrete-forming materials
according to still another aspect of the invention, first,
aggregate of a first kind and water are supplied to a predetermined
measurement tank so that the water and aggregate may become
submergence aggregate in which the aggregate of the first kind does
not appear from the water surface.
[0075] When throwing the aggregate and the water into the
measurement tank, it is arbitrary as to which should be thrown
first, but if the water is thrown in first and the aggregate is
thrown in later, especially in a case of fine aggregate, air bubble
mixing of the submergence aggregate can be suppressed
considerably.
[0076] Next, total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate is
measured. In order to measure the total mass M.sub.f1 of the
submergence aggregate, the mass of only the measurement tank is
subtracted from the mass of the measurement tank filled with the
submergence aggregate.
[0077] Here, in order to measure total volume V.sub.f1 of the
submergence aggregate, means for measuring a water level for
measuring a level of the submergence aggregate, such as an
electrode-type displacement sensor, can be used.
[0078] Next, mass M.sub.a1 of the aggregate of the first kind in a
saturated surface-dried condition is calculated by solving the
following two formulas. M.sub.a1+M.sub.w=M.sub.f1 (7)
M.sub.a1/.rho..sub.a1+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f1 (8)
[0079] Here, .rho..sub.a1 is the density of the aggregate of the
first kind in the saturated surface-dried condition, and
.rho..sub.w is the density of water.
[0080] Next, aggregate of a second kind and required water are
supplied to the measurement tank so that the aggregate of the
second kind may not come out from the water surface, namely, so
that it may become part of submergence aggregate. Here, when
throwing the aggregate of the second kind, as long as a state of
submergence aggregate, i.e., a state where the aggregate of the
second kind does not come out from the water surface, is
maintained, it is not necessary to perform additional throwing of
water. Required water means water required for holding the state of
submergence aggregate.
[0081] Next, total mass M.sub.f2 of the submergence aggregate is
measured, and subsequently mass M.sub.a2 of the aggregate of the
second kind in a saturated surface-dried condition is calculated
from the following two formulas. M.sub.a1+M.sub.a2+M.sub.w=M.sub.f2
(9)
M.sub.a1/.rho..sub.a1+M.sub.a2/.rho..sub.a2+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f2
(10) Here, V.sub.f2 is the total volume of the submergence
aggregate, and .rho..sub.a2 is the density of the aggregate of the
second kind in the saturated surface-dried condition.
[0082] Hereafter, by repeating the above-mentioned procedure,
M.sub.a1, M.sub.a2, M.sub.a3 . . . , M.sub.ai, . . . ,
M.sub.a(N-1), each of which is the mass of aggregate of an (N-1)th
kind in the saturated surface-dried condition, are calculated one
after another. Finally, aggregate of the Nth kind and required
water are supplied to the measurement tank so that the aggregate of
the Nth kind does not come out from the water surface, namely, so
that it may become part of submergence aggregate.
[0083] Here, with required water, if the aggregate of the i-th kind
does not come out from the water surface as mentioned above, it
means that water may not be supplied. In this case, only the
aggregate of the i-th kind is thrown into the measurement tank.
[0084] Next, total mass M.sub.fN of the submergence aggregate is
measured, and next mass M.sub.aN of aggregate of the Nth kind in
the saturated surface-dried condition and mass M.sub.w of water are
calculated from the following two formulas. .SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to
(N-1))+M.sub.aN+M.sub.w=M.sub.fN (11)
.SIGMA.M.sub.ai/.rho..sub.ai(i=1 to
(N-1))+M.sub.aN/.rho..sub.aN+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.fN (12)
Here, V.sub.fN is a total volume of the submergence aggregate and
.rho..sub.aN is a density of the aggregate of the Nth kind in the
saturated surface-dried condition.
[0085] When the mass M.sub.w of water and the mass M.sub.ai (i=1 to
N) of the aggregate in the saturated surface-dried condition are
measured and calculated, these calculated values will be compared
with a mix proportion shown by a specified mix, respectively.
Subsequently, an insufficiency is measured and then the submergence
aggregate is supplemented by an amount of the insufficiency so as
to let the aggregate and the water be concrete material. When there
is too much water, a surplus is sucked with a vacuum or the
like.
[0086] Thus, the surface water of aggregate is indirectly computed
as apart of mass M.sub.w of water, even if an aggregate whose
moisture state is not uniform is used, and the mass of aggregate is
computed as the mass M.sub.ai (i=1 to N) of the aggregate in the
saturated surface-dried condition. That is, since the mass of the
aggregate and the water will be computed on conditions equivalent
to the specified mix, even if a humidity grade of the aggregate is
not fixed at every measurement, it becomes possible to make
concrete with the amount of water as the specified mix.
[0087] In addition, a plurality of aggregates whose kinds, such as
density and grading, are different are measured in high
effectiveness and accuracy within one measurement tank in the
procedure mentioned above.
[0088] The total volume V.sub.fi (i=1 to N) of the submergence
aggregate may be measured using an electrode-type displacement
sensor or the like, as mentioned above. Here, if the total volume
V.sub.fi (i=1 to N) of the submergence aggregate is maintained at a
steady value V.sub.f when throwing water and the aggregate of the
i-th kind (i=1 to N) into the measurement tank, even if the total
volume V.sub.f of the submergence aggregate is not measured, this
volume will serve as a known value.
[0089] The total volume V.sub.fi (i=1 to N) of the submergence
aggregate is maintainable at the steady value V.sub.f by making the
water in the submergence aggregate overflow from the measurement
tank, or sucking the water in the submergence aggregate at a
predetermined depth location in the measurement tank.
[0090] As mentioned above, the mass M.sub.ai (i=1 to N) of the
aggregate of the Nth kind in the saturated surface-dried condition
and the mass M.sub.w of water can be calculated if the total mass
M.sub.fi (i=1 to N) of the submergence aggregate is measured at
least. On the other hand, if the mass M.sub.awi of the aggregate of
the i-th kind (i=1 to N) in a wet condition are measured,
respectively, a percentage of surface moisture of the aggregate of
the i-th kind (i=1 to N) is computable with the following formula,
respectively. (M.sub.awi-M.sub.ai)/M.sub.ai (13)
[0091] As another approach, the amount of water M.sub.I supplied to
the measurement tank and the amount of water M.sub.O discharged
from the measurement tank are measured as accumulation values, and
these measurement values are substituted into the following
formula, and M.sub.awj (j=1, 2, 3, . . . i) is calculated.
.SIGMA.M.sub.awi(j=1 to i)=M.sub.fi-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (14) Next,
M.sub.awi is calculated by the following formula.
.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to i)-.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to (i-1)) (15)
Next, the percentage of surface moisture of the aggregate of the
i-th kind (i=1 to N) is computable by substituting M.sub.awi into
the following formula. (M.sub.awi-M.sub.ai)/M.sub.ai (13)
[0092] Here, the accumulation value of the amount of water M.sub.I
supplied to the measurement tank does not necessarily increase, but
can be the amount of water thrown first, in other words, the
accumulation value can be fixed without change. Similarly, water is
not necessarily drained by the amount of water M.sub.O discharged
from the measurement tank, but the accumulation value can remain
zero. On the other hand, in order to maintain the total volume
V.sub.fi (i=1 to N) of the submergence aggregate at a steady value
V.sub.f, when making the water in the submergence aggregate
overflow from the measurement tank or sucking the water in the
submergence aggregate at the predetermined depth location in the
measurement tank, the accumulation value of amount of discharged
water M.sub.O increases.
[0093] In order to calculate the mass M.sub.awi of the aggregate of
the i-th kind (i=1 to N) in a wet condition, it is necessary to
calculate one by one from the aggregate of the first kind. That is,
first, the mass of the aggregate of the first kind in a wet
condition is calculated, the mass of the aggregate of the second
kind in a wet condition is calculated using this value, and next
the mass of the third aggregate in a wet condition is calculated
using these two values.
[0094] Here, as mentioned above, not only fine aggregate but coarse
aggregate is contained in the aggregate described in the
specification and claims. In addition, both fine aggregate and
coarse aggregate are required for the material which constitutes
concrete-forming material. Accordingly, there is assumed a case of
using a plurality of fine aggregates and coarse aggregates whose
kinds such as density and grading are different. Especially, by
mixing a plurality of aggregates that differ from one another in
terms of grading, aggregate with desired grading (particle size
distribution) must be made anew in many cases.
[0095] The measuring method of concrete-forming materials
concerning the present invention is a very effective measuring
method, when mainly measuring a plurality of aggregates that differ
from one another in at least one of density or grading. It is the
same for other aspects of the invention applied to a plurality of
aggregates whose kinds are different.
[0096] A plurality of aggregates concerning the present invention
mean aggregates which comprise only fine aggregate, aggregates
which comprise only coarse aggregate, and aggregates in which fine
aggregate and coarse aggregate are arbitrarily mixed. As mentioned
above, a plurality of aggregates mean the aggregates whose kinds
are different, and all classification indices about aggregate are
contained in the kind of aggregate. The classification indices
include density, grading, a place of production, reinforcement, a
Young's modulus, durability, distinction of nature, artificiality
or by production, distinction of beach sand or pit sand, and the
like.
[0097] In addition, when it is written as .SIGMA.M.sub.i (i=1 to
N), it is a summation, i.e., (M.sub.1+M.sub.2+ . . . +M.sub.N) is
meant. When it is written as aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N),
aggregate of the first kind, aggregate of the second kind,
aggregate of the third kind, . . . , and aggregate of the Nth kind
shall be meant.
(Measurement by a Submergence Method which does not Need
Measurement of Capacity and Mass in a Case of Supplying
Cumulatively a Plurality of Aggregates Whose Kinds are
Different)
[0098] In a measuring method of concrete-forming materials
according to still another aspect of the invention, mass M.sub.awi
(i=1 to N) of an aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) in a wet
condition is measured first.
[0099] Next, water and aggregate of the first kind are thrown into
a predetermined submergence aggregate container so that the
aggregate of the first kind may not come out from the water
surface, and so that the total volume of submergence aggregate may
be maintained at a steady value V.sub.f.
[0100] The total volume of the submergence aggregate is
maintainable at the steady value V.sub.f by making the water in the
submergence aggregate overflow from the submergence aggregate
container, or sucking the water in the submergence aggregate at a
predetermined depth location in the submergence aggregate
container.
[0101] When throwing the aggregate and the water into the
submergence aggregate container, it is arbitrary as to which should
be thrown first, but if the water is thrown in first and the
aggregate is thrown in later, especially in a case of fine
aggregate, air bubble mixing in the submergence aggregate can be
suppressed considerably.
[0102] When throwing the water and aggregate into the submergence
aggregate container, an amount of water M.sub.I supplied to the
submergence aggregate container and an amount of water M.sub.O
discharged from the submergence aggregate container are measured as
accumulation values.
[0103] Next, mass M.sub.a1 of the aggregate of the first kind in a
saturated surface-dried condition is calculated from the following
two formulas. M.sub.a1+M.sub.w=M.sub.aw1+(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (16)
M.sub.a1/.rho..sub.a+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f (17) Here,
.rho..sub.a1 is the density of the aggregate of the first kind in
the saturated surface-dried condition and .rho..sub.w is the
density of water.
[0104] In addition, a percentage of surface moisture of the
aggregate of the first kind is calculated by the following formula.
(M.sub.aw1-M.sub.a1)/M.sub.a1 (18)
[0105] Next, aggregate of a second kind and required water are fed
into the submergence aggregate container so that the aggregate of
the second kind may not come out from the water surface, and so
that the total volume of submergence aggregate may be maintained at
the steady value V.sub.f. In addition, an amount of supplied water
M.sub.I and an amount of discharged water M.sub.O are measured as
accumulation values. Here, with required water, if the aggregate of
the second kind does not come out from the water surface, it means
that water may not be supplied. In this case, only the aggregate of
the second kind is thrown into the submergence aggregate
container.
[0106] Next, the mass M.sub.a2 of the aggregate of the second kind
in a saturated surface-dried condition is calculated from the
following two formulas.
M.sub.a1+M.sub.a2+M.sub.w=M.sub.aw1+M.sub.aw2+(M.sub.I-M.sub.O)
(19)
M.sub.a1/.rho..sub.a1+M.sub.a2/.rho..sub.a2+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f
(20) Here, .rho..sub.a2 is the density of the aggregate of the
second kind in the saturated surface-dried condition. In addition,
the percentage of surface moisture of the aggregate of the second
kind is calculated by the following formula.
(M.sub.aw2-M.sub.a2)/M.sub.a2 (21)
[0107] Hereafter, by repeating the above-mentioned procedure,
M.sub.a1, M.sub.a2, M.sub.a3 - - - , M.sub.ai, - - - ,
M.sub.a(N-1), each of which is the mass of the aggregate of the
(N-1)th kind in the saturated surface-dried condition, are
calculated one after another. The above-mentioned procedure is
repeated similarly and it calculates one by one the percentage of
surface moisture of the aggregate of the (N-1)th kind. Finally,
aggregate of the Nth kind and required water are supplied to the
submergence aggregate container so that the aggregate of the Nth
kind may not come out from the water surface, and so that the total
volume of the submergence aggregate may be maintained at the steady
value V.sub.f. In addition, an amount of supplied water M.sub.I and
an amount of discharged water M.sub.O are measured as accumulation
values.
[0108] Here, with required water, if the aggregate of the i-th kind
does not come out from the water surface as mentioned above, it
means that water may not be supplied. In this case, only the
aggregate of the i-th kind is thrown into the submergence aggregate
container.
[0109] Next, the mass M.sub.aN of the aggregate of the Nth kind in
the saturated surface-dried condition and the mass M.sub.w of the
water in the submergence aggregate are calculated from the
following two formulas. M ai .times. .times. ( i = 1 .times.
.times. to .times. .times. ( N - 1 ) ) + M aN + M w = .times. ( M
awi .times. .times. ( i = 1 .times. .times. to .times. .times. ( N
- 1 ) ) + M awN + .times. ( M I - M O ) ( 22 ) .times. ( M ai
.times. / .rho. ai ) .times. .times. ( i = 1 .times. .times. to
.times. .times. ( N - 1 ) ) + M aN / .rho. aN + M w / .rho. w = V f
( 23 ) ##EQU1## Here, .rho..sub.aN is the density of the aggregate
of the Nth kind in the saturated surface-dried condition. In
addition, the percentage of surface moisture of the aggregate of
the Nth kind is calculated by the following formula.
(M.sub.awN-M.sub.aN)/M.sub.aN (24)
[0110] Thus, the mass M.sub.w of water, the mass M.sub.ai (i=1 to
N) of the aggregate in the saturated surface-dried condition, and
the percentage of surface moisture of each aggregate are measured
and calculated. Next, the mass M.sub.w of water and the mass
M.sub.ai (i=1 to N) of the aggregate in the saturated surface-dried
condition are compared with a mix proportion shown by a specified
mix, respectively. An insufficiency is then measured. If the
insufficiency is water, the above-mentioned submergence aggregate
is supplemented with water equal to the amount of the insufficiency
so as to let the aggregate and the water be concrete material. On
the other hand, taking the surface water of the aggregate into
consideration using the computed percentage of surface moisture, if
the insufficiency is the aggregate, the above-mentioned submergence
aggregate is supplemented with aggregate equal to the amount of the
insufficiency so as to let the aggregate and the water become
concrete material. When there is too much water, the surplus is
sucked with the vacuum and the like.
[0111] Thus, the surface water of aggregate is indirectly computed
as apart of mass M.sub.w of water, even if an aggregate whose
moisture state is not uniform is used, and the mass of aggregate is
computed as the mass M.sub.ai (i=1 to N) of the aggregate in the
saturated surface-dried condition. That is, since the mass of the
aggregate and the water will be computed on conditions equivalent
to the specified mix, even if the humidity grade of the aggregate
is not fixed at every measurement, it becomes possible to make
concrete from the amount of water as the specified mix.
[0112] In addition, a plurality of aggregates whose kinds, such as
density and grading, are different are measured in high
effectiveness and accuracy within one submergence aggregate
container in the procedure mentioned above.
[0113] The volume of the measurement tank and the submergence
aggregate container may be made equal to the entire quantity
required for the unit of concrete mixing, i.e., one batch, or the
volume may be made equal to the amount of one batch divided into
some amounts.
[0114] When taking into consideration air content in submergence
aggregate (a (%)), still higher-precision measurement can be
performed with the actual total volume except the air content by
replacing V.sub.fi (i=1 to N) or Vf with V.sub.fi (i=1 to
N)(1-a/100) or V.sub.f(1-a/100). However, in a case of the method
for supplying a plurality of aggregates cumulatively, an aggregate
rate in submergence aggregate increases gradually. Therefore, the
air content in total volume should be considered in this
connection.
(Measurement by a Submergence Method in a Case of Supplying
Simultaneously a Plurality of Aggregates Whose Kinds are
Different)
[0115] In a measuring method of concrete-forming materials
according to still another aspect of the invention, mean-density
.rho..sub.ave of an entire aggregate is first calculated from a
mass ratio when mixing a plurality of aggregates whose kinds are
different, and then calculated is density .rho..sub.ai (i=1 to N)
of the aggregate of the i-th kind in a saturated surface-dried
condition.
[0116] Next, the aggregates of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) and water
are supplied to a predetermined measurement tank. Here, the
aggregates are supplied simultaneously so that the aggregates and
water may become submergence aggregate in which the aggregates of
the i-th kind (i=1 to N) do not appear from the water surface.
[0117] When throwing the aggregates and the water into the
measurement tank, it is arbitrary as to which should be thrown
first, but if the water is thrown in first and the aggregates are
thrown in later, especially in a case of fine aggregates, air
bubble mixing of the submergence aggregate can be suppressed
considerably.
[0118] Next, total mass M.sub.f of the submergence aggregate is
measured. In order to measure the total mass M.sub.f of the
submergence aggregate, the mass of only the measurement tank is
subtracted from the mass of the measurement tank filled with the
submergence aggregate.
[0119] Here, in order to measure total volume V.sub.f of the
submergence aggregate, means for measuring a water level for
measuring a level of the submergence aggregate, such as an
electrode-type displacement sensor, can be used.
[0120] Next, summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1 to N), that is, total
mass of the aggregates of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) in a saturated
surface-dried condition and the mass M.sub.w of water are
calculated by solving the following two formulas.
.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to N)+M.sub.w=M.sub.f (25) .SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1
to N)/.rho..sub.ave+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f (26) Here,
.rho..sub.w is the density of water.
[0121] When the mass M.sub.w of water and summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai
(i=1 to N) are measured and calculated, these calculated values
will be compared with a mix proportion shown by a specified mix,
respectively. Subsequently, an insufficiency is measured and then
the submergence aggregate is supplemented by an amount of the
insufficiency so as to let the aggregate and the water become
concrete material. When there is too much water, the surplus is
sucked with a vacuum or the like.
[0122] Thus, the surface water of aggregate is indirectly computed
as apart of mass M.sub.w of water, even if an aggregate whose
moisture state is not uniform is used, and the mass of aggregate is
computed as summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1 to N). That is, since
the mass of the aggregate and the water will be computed on
conditions equivalent to the specified mix, even if a humidity
grade of the aggregate is not fixed at every measurement, it
becomes possible to make concrete from the amount of water as the
specified mix.
[0123] In addition, a plurality of aggregates whose kinds, such as
density and grading, are different are measured in terms of high
effectiveness and accuracy within one measurement tank in the
procedure mentioned above.
[0124] Here, if the total volume V.sub.f of the submergence
aggregate is maintained at a steady value V.sub.f when throwing
water and the aggregates of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) into the
measurement tank, even if the total volume V.sub.f of the
submergence aggregate is not measured, it will serve as a known
value.
[0125] The total volume of the submergence aggregate is
maintainable at a steady value V.sub.f by making the water in the
submergence aggregate overflow from the measurement tank, or
sucking the water in the submergence aggregate at a predetermined
depth location in the measurement tank.
[0126] If the total mass M.sub.f of the submergence aggregate is
measured at least as mentioned above, summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai
(i=1 to N), that is, total mass of a plurality of aggregates of the
i-th kind (i=1 to N) in the saturated surface-dried condition and
the mass M.sub.w of water can be calculated. In addition, if
summation .SIGMA.M.sub.awi (i=1 to N), that is, total mass of a
plurality of aggregates of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) in a wet
condition is measured, the average percentage of surface moisture
is computable with the following formula. (.SIGMA.M.sub.awi(i=1 to
N)-.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to N))/.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to N) (27)
[0127] As another approach, the amount of water M.sub.I supplied to
the measurement tank and the amount of water M.sub.O discharged
from the measurement tank are measured as accumulation values,
which measurement values are substituted for the following formula,
and .SIGMA.M.sub.awi (i=1 to N) is calculated. .SIGMA.M.sub.awi(i=1
to N)=M.sub.f-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (28) Next, the average percentage
of surface moisture can be calculated by the following formula.
(.SIGMA.M.sub.awi(i=1 to N)-.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to
N))/.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to N) (27)
[0128] Here, an accumulation value of the amount of water M.sub.I
supplied to the measurement tank does not necessarily increase, but
can be the amount of water thrown first; in other words, the
accumulation value can be fixed without change. Similarly, water is
not necessarily drained by the amount of water M.sub.O discharged
from the measurement tank, but the accumulation value can remain
zero. On the other hand, in order to maintain the total volume of
the submergence aggregate at a steady value V.sub.f, when making
the water in the submergence aggregate overflow from the
measurement tank or sucking the water in the submergence aggregate
at the predetermined depth location in the measurement tank, the
accumulation value of amount of discharged water M.sub.O
increases.
(Measurement by a Submergence Method which does not Need
Measurement of a Capacity and Mass in a Case of Supplying
Simultaneously a Plurality of Aggregates Whose Kinds are
Different)
[0129] In a measuring method of concrete-forming materials
according to still another aspect of the invention, first,
summation .SIGMA.M.sub.wai (i=1 to N), that is, total mass of a
plurality of aggregates in a wet condition whose kinds are
different are measured.
[0130] Next, mean-density .rho..sub.ave of the entire aggregate is
calculated from a mass ratio when mixing the aggregates and density
.rho..sub.ai (i=1 to N) of the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to
N) in a saturated surface-dried condition.
[0131] Next, the aggregates and water are supplied to a
predetermined submergence aggregate container. Here, the aggregates
are supplied simultaneously so that the aggregates and water may
become submergence aggregate in which the aggregates do not appear
from the water surface, and so that the total volume of the
submergence aggregate may be maintained at a steady value
V.sub.f.
[0132] The total volume of the submergence aggregate is
maintainable at the steady value V.sub.f by making the water in the
submergence aggregate overflow from the submergence aggregate
container, or sucking the water in the submergence aggregate at a
predetermined depth location in the submergence aggregate
container.
[0133] When throwing the aggregates and the water into the
submergence aggregate container, it is arbitrary as to which should
be thrown first, but if the water is thrown in first and the
aggregates are thrown in later, especially in a case of fine
aggregates, air bubble mixing in the submergence aggregate can be
suppressed considerably.
[0134] When throwing the water and aggregate into the submergence
aggregate container, an amount of water M.sub.I supplied to the
submergence aggregate container and an amount of water M.sub.O
discharged from the submergence aggregate container are measured as
accumulation values.
[0135] Next, summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1 to N), that is, total
mass of a plurality of aggregates of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) in a
saturated surface-dried condition and the mass M.sub.w of water are
calculated by solving the following two formulas.
.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to N)+M.sub.w=.SIGMA.M.sub.awi(i=1 to
N)+(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (29) .SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to
N)/.rho..sub.ave+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f (30) Here, .rho..sub.w
is the density of water. In addition, the average percentage of
surface moisture of the aggregates of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) is
calculated from the following formula. (.SIGMA.M.sub.awi(i=1 to
N)-.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to N))/.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to N) (31)
[0136] When the mass M.sub.w of water, summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai
(i=1 to N) and the average percentage of surface moisture are
measured and calculated, these calculated values will be compared
with a mix proportion shown by a specified mix, respectively. An
insufficiency is then measured. If the insufficiency is water, the
above-mentioned submergence aggregate is supplemented with water in
an amount equal to the insufficiency so as to let the aggregate and
the water become concrete material. On the other hand, taking the
surface water of the aggregates into consideration using the
computed average percentage of surface moisture, if the
insufficiency is the aggregate, the above-mentioned submergence
aggregate is supplemented with the aggregate in an amount equal to
the insufficiency so as to let the aggregate and the water become
concrete material. When there is too much water, the surplus is
sucked with a vacuum or the like.
[0137] Thus, the surface water of aggregate is indirectly computed
as a part of mass M.sub.w of water, even if an aggregate whose
moisture state is not uniform is used, and the mass of aggregate is
computed as summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1 to N). That is, since
the mass of the aggregate and the water will be computed on
conditions equivalent to the specified mix, even if a humidity
grade of the aggregate is not fixed at every measurement, it
becomes possible to make concrete with the amount of water as that
of the specified mix.
[0138] In addition, a plurality of aggregates whose kinds, such as
density and grading, are different are measured in terms of high
effectiveness and accuracy within one measurement tank in the
procedure mentioned above.
[0139] The volume of the measurement tank and the submergence
aggregate container may be made equal to the entire quantity
required for a unit of concrete mixing, i.e., one batch, or may be
made equal to the amount of one batch divided into some
amounts.
[0140] When taking into consideration air content in submergence
aggregate (a (%)), still higher-precision measurement can be
performed with the actual total volume except the air content by
replacing V.sub.f with V.sub.fi(1-a/100).
(Real-Time Measurement by a Submergence Method)
[0141] In a measuring method of concrete-forming materials
according to still another aspect of the invention, first,
aggregate and water are supplied to a predetermined measurement
tank so that they may become submergence aggregate in which the
aggregate does not appear from the water surface.
[0142] When throwing the aggregate and the water into the
measurement tank, it is arbitrary as to which should be thrown
first, but if the water is thrown in first and the aggregate is
thrown in later, especially in a case of fine aggregate, air bubble
mixing in the submergence aggregate can be suppressed
considerably.
[0143] Next, total mass M.sub.f of the submergence aggregate is
measured.
[0144] In order to measure the total mass M.sub.f of the
submergence aggregate, the mass of only the measurement tank is
subtracted from the mass of the measurement tank filled with the
submergence aggregate.
[0145] Here, in order to measure total volume V.sub.f of the
submergence aggregate, means for measuring a water level for
measuring a level of the submergence aggregate, such as an
electrode-type displacement sensor, can be used.
[0146] Next, the mass M.sub.a of the aggregate in the saturated
surface-dried condition and the mass M.sub.w of the water in the
submergence aggregate are calculated from the following two
formulas. M.sub.a+M.sub.w=M.sub.f (1)
M.sub.a/.rho..sub.a+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f (2) Here,
.rho..sub.a is the density of the aggregate in the saturated
surface-dried condition, and .rho..sub.w is the density of
water.
[0147] Here, in order to calculate the mass M.sub.a of the
aggregate in the saturated surface-dried condition in the procedure
mentioned above, the aggregate to the measurement tank is supplied
continuously or intermittently at a predetermined rate. And when
total mass M.sub.f of the submergence aggregate is measured in real
time or at predetermined time intervals and the mass M.sub.a in the
saturated surface-dried condition of the aggregate reaches a
scheduled input, ds throwing the aggregate is stopped.
[0148] Real-time measurement means a measurement performed at
predetermined time intervals, supplying aggregate, and it is
contained also when measuring continuously.
[0149] Next, the mass M.sub.w of the water when finishing throwing
the aggregate is compared with a mix proportion of the water shown
by a specified mix. If the mass M.sub.w of water is insufficient,
it is supplemented with water in an amount equal to this
insufficiency, and when there is too much mass M.sub.w of water,
the excess water is removed by a vacuum or the like. Then, the
aggregate and the water are allowed to become concrete
material.
[0150] Thus, the surface water of aggregate is indirectly computed
as apart of mass M.sub.w of water, even if an aggregate whose
moisture state is not uniform is used, and the mass of aggregate is
computed as mass M.sub.a in the saturated surface-dried condition.
That is, since the mass of the aggregate and the water will be
computed on conditions equivalent to the specified mix, even if a
humidity grade of the aggregate is not fixed at every measurement,
it becomes possible to make concrete from an amount of water as
that of the specified mix.
[0151] In addition, as mentioned above, since the throwing of the
aggregate into the measurement tank is ended when the mass M.sub.a
of the aggregate in the saturated surface-dried condition reaches a
scheduled input, while measuring total mass M.sub.f of the
submergence aggregate in real time or at predetermined time
intervals, a possibility that excess and deficiency may arise in
terms of measurement of aggregate disappears, and effectiveness of
aggregate measurement improves.
[0152] The total volume V.sub.f of the submergence aggregate is
measurable during aggregate measurement using an electrode-type
displacement sensor or the like, as mentioned above. At this point,
if the total volume V.sub.f of the submergence aggregate is
maintained at a steady value when water and aggregate are supplied
to the measurement tank, the total volume V.sub.f of the
submergence aggregate will serve as a known value, and it will
become unnecessary to measure it.
[0153] The total volume of the submergence aggregate is
maintainable at a steady value V.sub.f by making the water in the
submergence aggregate overflow from the measurement tank or by
sucking the water in the submergence aggregate at a predetermined
depth location in the measurement tank.
[0154] Moreover, if the total mass M.sub.f of the submergence
aggregate is measured at least as mentioned above, the mass M.sub.a
of the aggregate in the saturated surface-dried condition and the
mass M.sub.w of water can be calculated. That is, first, the amount
of water M.sub.I supplied to the measurement tank and the amount of
water M.sub.O discharged from the measurement tank are measured as
accumulation values, and, subsequently M.sub.aw is calculated by
the following formula. M.sub.aw=M.sub.f-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (4)
[0155] Next, the percentage of surface moisture of the aggregate is
computable by substituting M.sub.aw for the following formula.
(M.sub.aw-M.sub.a)/M.sub.a (3)
[0156] Here, an accumulation value of the amount of water M.sub.I
supplied to the measurement tank does not necessarily increase, but
can be the amount of water thrown first; in other words, the
accumulation value can be fixed without change. Similarly, water is
not necessarily drained by the amount of water M.sub.O discharged
from the measurement tank, but the accumulation value can remain
zero. On the other hand, in maintaining the total volume V.sub.f of
the submergence aggregate at a steady value by making the water in
the submergence aggregate overflow from the measurement tank and
sucking the water in the submergence aggregate at the predetermined
depth location in the measurement tank, the accumulation value of
amount of discharged water M.sub.O increases.
[0157] The volume of the measurement tank may be made equal to the
entire quantity required for a unit of concrete mixing, i.e., one
batch, or may be made equal to an amount of one batch divided into
some amounts.
(Real-Time Measurement by a Submergence Method in a Case of
Supplying Cumulatively a Plurality of Aggregates Whose Kinds are
Different)
[0158] In a measuring method of concrete-forming materials
according to still another aspect of the invention, first,
aggregate of a first kind and water are supplied to a predetermined
measurement tank so that the water and aggregate may become
submergence aggregate in which the aggregate of the first kind does
not appear from the water surface.
[0159] When throwing the aggregate and the water into the
measurement tank, it is arbitrary as to which should be thrown
first, but if the water is thrown in first and the aggregate is
thrown in later, especially in a case of fine aggregate, air bubble
mixing in the submergence aggregate can be suppressed
considerably.
[0160] Next, total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate is
measured. In order to measure the total mass M.sub.f1 of the
submergence aggregate, the mass of only the measurement tank is
subtracted from the mass of the measurement tank filled with the
submergence aggregate.
[0161] Here, in order to measure total volume V.sub.f1 of the
submergence aggregate, means for measuring a water level for
measuring a level of the submergence aggregate, such as an
electrode-type displacement sensor, can be used.
[0162] Next, mass M.sub.a1 of the aggregate of the first kind in a
saturated surface-dried condition is calculated by solving the
following two formulas. M.sub.a1+M.sub.w=M.sub.f1 (7)
M.sub.a1/.rho..sub.a1+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f1 (8) Here,
.rho..sub.a1 is the density of the aggregate of the first kind in
the saturated surface-dried condition, and .rho..sub.w is the
density of water.
[0163] Next, aggregate of a second kind and required water are
supplied to the measurement tank so that the aggregate of the
second kind may not come out from the water surface, namely, so
that it may become submergence aggregate. Here, when throwing the
aggregate of the second kind, as long as a state of submergence
aggregate, i.e., a state where the aggregate of the second kind
does not come out from the water surface is maintained, it is not
necessary to perform additional throwing of water. Required water
means water required for maintaining a state of submergence
aggregate.
[0164] Next, total mass M.sub.f2 of the submergence aggregate is
measured, and, subsequently mass M.sub.a2 of the aggregate of the
second kind in the saturated surface-dried condition is calculated
from the following two formulas. M.sub.a1+M.sub.a2+M.sub.w=M.sub.f2
(9)
M.sub.a1/.rho..sub.a1+M.sub.a2/.rho..sub.a2+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f2
(10) Here, V.sub.f2 is a total volume of the submergence aggregate
and .rho..sub.a2 is a density of the aggregate of the second kind
in the saturated surface-dried condition.
[0165] Hereafter, by repeating the above-mentioned procedure,
M.sub.a1, M.sub.a2, M.sub.a3 - - - , M.sub.ai, - - - ,
M.sub.a(N-1), each of which is the mass of aggregate of the (N-1)th
kind in the saturated surface-dried condition, are calculated one
after another. Finally aggregate of the Nth kind and required water
are supplied to the measurement tank so that the aggregate of the
Nth kind does not come out from the water surface, namely, so that
it may become submergence aggregate.
[0166] Here, with required water, if the aggregate of the i-th kind
does not come out from the water surface as mentioned above, it
means that water may not be supplied. In this case, only the
aggregate of the i-th kind is thrown into the measurement tank.
[0167] Next, total mass M.sub.fN of the submergence aggregate is
measured. Subsequently, mass M.sub.aN of the aggregate of the Nth
kind in the saturated surface-dried condition and mass M.sub.w of
water are calculated from the following two formulas.
.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to (N-1))+M.sub.aN+M.sub.w=M.sub.fN (11)
.SIGMA.M.sub.ai/.rho..sub.ai(i=1 to
(N-1))+M.sub.aN/.rho..sub.aN+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.fN (12)
Here, V.sub.fN is a total volume of the submergence aggregate and
.rho..sub.aN is a density of the aggregate of the Nth kind in the
saturated surface-dried condition.
[0168] Here, in order to calculate the mass M.sub.ai (i=1 to N) of
the aggregate of the Nth kind in the saturated surface-dried
condition in the procedure mentioned above, the aggregate is
supplied to the measurement tank continuously or intermittently at
a predetermined rate. And when total mass M.sub.fi (i=1 to N) of
the submergence aggregate is measured in real time or at
predetermined time intervals and the mass M.sub.ai (i=1 to N) of
the aggregate of the Nth kind in the saturated surface-dried
condition reaches a scheduled input, the throwing of the aggregate
is ended.
[0169] In a process which throws cumulatively the aggregates of the
i-th kind (i=1 to N) one by one, after ending throwing of aggregate
during throwing the j-th aggregate or after such throwing, the mass
M.sub.w of the water at that time is compared with a mix proportion
of the water shown by a specified mix. And if the mass M.sub.w of
water is insufficient, it is supplemented with water equal to an
amount of this insufficiency, and when there is too much mass
M.sub.w of water, the excess water is removed by a vacuum or the
like, whereby the aggregate and the water are allowed to become
concrete material.
[0170] Thus, the surface water of aggregate is indirectly computed
as a part of mass M.sub.w of water, even if the aggregate whose
moisture state is not uniform is used, and the mass of aggregate is
computed as the mass M.sub.ai (i=1 to N) of the aggregate in the
saturated surface-dried condition. That is, since the mass of the
aggregate and the water will be computed on conditions equivalent
to the specified mix, even if a humidity grade of the aggregate is
not fixed at every measurement, it becomes possible to make
concrete from an amount of water as that of the specified mix.
[0171] In addition, as mentioned above, since the throwing of the
aggregate into the measurement tank continuously at a predetermined
rate or intermittently is ended when the mass M.sub.ai (i=1 to N)
of the aggregate in the saturated surface-dried condition reaches a
scheduled input, while measuring total mass M.sub.fi (i=1 to N) of
the submergence aggregate in real time or at predetermined time
intervals, a possibility that excess and deficiency may arise in
measurement of aggregate disappears, and effectiveness of aggregate
measurement improves.
[0172] Real-time measurement means a measurement performed at
predetermined time intervals, while supplying aggregate, and it
also includes measuring continuously.
[0173] In addition, a plurality of aggregates whose kinds, such as
density and grading, are different are measured in terms of high
effectiveness and accuracy within one measurement tank in the
procedure mentioned above.
[0174] The total volume V.sub.fi (i=1 to N) of the submergence
aggregate is measurable during aggregate measurement using an
electrode-type displacement sensor or the like, as mentioned above.
Here, if the total volume V.sub.fi (i=1 to N) of the submergence
aggregate is maintained at a steady value V.sub.f when throwing
water and the aggregates of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) into the
measurement tank, even if the total volume V.sub.f of the
submergence aggregate is not measured, this volume will serve as a
known value.
[0175] The total volume of the submergence aggregate is
maintainable at a steady value V.sub.f by making the water in the
submergence aggregate overflow from the measurement tank or by
sucking the water in the submergence aggregate at the predetermined
depth location in the measurement tank.
[0176] If the total mass M.sub.fi (i=1 to N) of the submergence
aggregate is measured at least as mentioned above, M.sub.ai (i=1 to
N) of the mass of the aggregates of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) in the
saturated surface-dried condition and the mass M.sub.w of water,
can be calculated.
[0177] That is, the amount of water M.sub.I supplied to the
measurement tank and the amount of water M.sub.O discharged from
the measurement tank are first measured as accumulation values.
[0178] Next, .SIGMA.M.sub.awj (j=1, 2, 3, . . . i) is calculated by
the following formula. .SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to
i)=M.sub.fi-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (14) .SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to
i)-.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to (i-1)) (15)
[0179] Next, the percentage of surface moisture of the aggregates
of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) are computable by substituting
M.sub.awi for the following formula. (M.sub.awi-M.sub.ai)/M.sub.ai
(13) Here, the accumulation value of the amount of water M.sub.I
supplied to the measurement tank does not necessarily increase, but
can be the amount of water thrown first; in other words, the
accumulation value can be fixed without change. Similarly, water is
not necessarily drained by the amount of water M.sub.O discharged
from the measurement tank, but the accumulation value can remain
zero. On the other hand, in maintaining the total volume V.sub.fi
(i=1 to N) of the submergence aggregate at a steady value V.sub.f
by making the water in the submergence aggregate overflow from the
measurement tank or by sucking the water in the submergence
aggregate at the predetermined depth location in the measurement
tank, the accumulation value of amount of discharged water M.sub.O
increases.
[0180] In order to calculate the mass M.sub.awi of the aggregates
of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) in a wet condition, it is necessary to
calculate one by one from the aggregate of the first kind. That is,
first, the mass of the aggregate of the first kind in a wet
condition is calculated, the mass of the aggregate of the second
kind in a wet condition is calculated using this value, and then
the mass of a third aggregate in wet condition is calculated using
these two values.
[0181] The volume of the measurement tank may be made equal to the
entire quantity required for a unit of concrete mixing, i.e., one
batch, or may be made equal to the amount of one batch divided into
some amounts.
(Real-Time Measurement by a Submergence Method in a Case of
Supplying Simultaneously a Plurality of Aggregates Whose Kinds are
Different)
[0182] In a measuring method of concrete-forming materials
according to still another aspect of the invention, first,
mean-density .rho..sub.ave of the entire aggregate is calculated
from a mass ratio when mixing a plurality of aggregates whose kinds
are different, and then calculated is density .rho..sub.ai (i=1 to
N) of the aggregate of the i-th kind in a saturated surface-dried
condition.
[0183] Next, the aggregates and water are supplied to a
predetermined measurement tank. Here, the aggregates are supplied
simultaneously so that the aggregates and water may become
submergence aggregate in which the aggregates do not appear from
the water surface.
[0184] When throwing the aggregate and the water into the
measurement tank, it is arbitrary as to which should be thrown
first, but if the water is thrown in first and the aggregates are
thrown in later, especially in a case of fine aggregate, air bubble
mixing in the submergence aggregate can be suppressed
considerably.
[0185] Next, total mass M.sub.f of the submergence aggregate is
measured. In order to measure the total mass M.sub.f of the
submergence aggregate, the mass of only the measurement tank is
subtracted from the mass of the measurement tank filled with the
submergence aggregate.
[0186] Here, in order to measure total volume V.sub.f of the
submergence aggregate, means for measuring a water level for
measuring a level of the submergence aggregate, such as an
electrode-type displacement sensor, can be used.
[0187] Next, summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1 to N), that is, total
mass of a plurality of aggregates whose kinds are different in a
saturated surface-dried condition, and the mass M.sub.w of water,
is calculated by solving the following two formulas.
.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to N)+M.sub.w=M.sub.f (25) .SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1
to N)/.rho..sub.ave+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f (26) Here,
.rho..sub.w is the density of water.
[0188] Here, in order to calculate .SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1 to N), that
is, total mass of the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) in the
saturated surface-dried condition in the procedure mentioned above,
the aggregates are supplied to the measurement tank continuously or
intermittently at a predetermined rate. And when M.sub.f of the
submergence aggregate is measured in real time or at predetermined
time intervals and the mass .SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1 to N) reaches a
scheduled input, the throwing of the aggregates is ended.
[0189] Next, the mass M.sub.w of the water when finishing throwing
the aggregate is compared with a mix proportion of the water shown
by a specified mix. And if the mass M.sub.w of water is
insufficient, it is supplemented with water of an amount equal to
that of this insufficiency, and when there is too much mass M.sub.w
of water, the excess water is removed by a vacuum or the like,
whereby the aggregate and the water become concrete material.
[0190] Thus, the surface water of aggregate is indirectly computed
as a part of mass M.sub.w of water, even if an aggregate whose
moisture state is not uniform is used, and the mass of aggregate is
computed as .SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1 to N), that is, total mass of the
aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) in the saturated
surface-dried condition. That is, since the mass of the aggregate
and the water will be computed on conditions equivalent to the
specified mix, even if a humidity grade of the aggregate is not
fixed at every measurement, it becomes possible to make concrete
from an amount of water as that of the specified mix.
[0191] In addition, as mentioned above, since the throwing of the
aggregate into the measurement tank continuously at a predetermined
rate or intermittently is ended when .SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1 to N)
reaches a scheduled input, while measuring total mass M.sub.f of
the submergence aggregate in real time or at predetermined time
intervals, a possibility that excess and deficiency may arise in
measurement of aggregate disappears, and effectiveness of aggregate
measurement improves.
[0192] Real-time measurement means a measurement performed at
predetermined time intervals, while supplying aggregate, and it
also includes measuring continuously.
[0193] In addition, a plurality of aggregates whose kinds, such as
density and grading, are different are measured in terms of high
effectiveness and accuracy within one measurement tank in the
procedure mentioned above.
[0194] Here, if the total volume V.sub.f of the submergence
aggregate is maintained at a steady value V.sub.f when throwing
water and the aggregates of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) into the
measurement tank, even if the total volume V.sub.f of the
submergence aggregate is not measured, this volume will serve as a
known value.
[0195] The total volume of the submergence aggregate is
maintainable at a steady value V.sub.f by making the water in the
submergence aggregate overflow from the measurement tank or by
sucking the water in the submergence aggregate at a predetermined
depth location in the measurement tank.
[0196] If the total mass M.sub.f of the submergence aggregate is
measured at least as mentioned above, summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai
(i=1 to N) of the mass of the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N)
in the saturated surface-dried condition, and the mass M.sub.w of
water, can be calculated. That is, the amount of water M.sub.I
supplied to the measurement tank and the amount of water M.sub.O
discharged from the measurement tank are first measured as
accumulation values. Next, .SIGMA.M.sub.awi (i=1 to N) is
calculated by the following formula. .SIGMA.M.sub.awi(i=1 to
N)=M.sub.f-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (28) Next, the average percentage of
surface moisture of the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) is
computable by substituting .SIGMA.M.sub.awi for the following
formula. (.SIGMA.M.sub.awi(i=1 to N)-.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to
N))/.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to N) (27)
[0197] Here, an accumulation value of the amount of water M.sub.I
supplied to the measurement tank does not necessarily increase, but
can be the amount of water thrown first; in other words, the
accumulation value can be fixed without change. Similarly, water is
not necessarily drained by the amount of water M.sub.O discharged
from the measurement tank, but the accumulation value can remain
zero.
[0198] On the other hand, in maintaining the total volume V.sub.f
of the submergence aggregate at a steady value by making the water
in the submergence aggregate overflow from the measurement tank or
by sucking the water in the submergence aggregate at the
predetermined depth location in the measurement tank, the
accumulation value of amount of discharged water M.sub.O
increases.
[0199] The volume of the measurement tank may be made equal to the
entire quantity required for a unit of concrete mixing, i.e., one
batch, or may be made equal to the amount of one batch divided into
some amounts.
[0200] When taking into consideration air content in submergence
aggregate (a (%)), still higher-precision measurement can be
performed with the actual total volume except the air content by
replacing Vf with V.sub.fi(1-a/100).
(Another Measurement by a Submergence Method in a Case of Supplying
a Plurality of Aggregates Whose Kinds are Different)
[0201] In another measuring method of concrete-forming materials
concerning the present invention, first, target mass Mdi (i=1 to N)
of submergence aggregate at a time of ending throwing the i-th (i=1
to N) aggregate is set up, respectively.
[0202] Next, aggregate of a first kind and water are supplied to
the measurement tank so that the aggregate of the first kind may
not come out from the water surface; namely, so that the water and
aggregate may become submergence aggregate.
[0203] When throwing the aggregate and the water into the
measurement tank, it is arbitrary as to which should be thrown
first, but if the water is thrown in first and the aggregate is
thrown in later, especially in a case of fine aggregate, air bubble
mixing in the submergence aggregate can be suppressed
considerably.
[0204] Next, total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate is
measured. In order to measure the total mass M.sub.f1 of the
submergence aggregate, the mass of only the measurement tank is
subtracted from the mass of the measurement tank filled with the
submergence aggregate.
[0205] Next, total volume V.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate is
measured. Here, in order to measure total volume V.sub.f1 of the
submergence aggregate, means for measuring a water level for
measuring a level of the submergence aggregate, such as an
electrode-type displacement sensor, can be used.
[0206] Next, when the total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence
aggregate reaches the target mass M.sub.d1, throwing the aggregate
of the first kind into the measurement tank is ended. Subsequently,
the total mass M.sub.f1 and total volume V.sub.f1 of the
submergence aggregate at that time are substituted for the
following formula, and mass M.sub.a1 in a saturated surface-dried
condition of the aggregate of the first kind is calculated.
M.sub.a1=.rho..sub.a1(M.sub.f1-.rho..sub.wV.sub.f1)/(.rho..sub.a1-.rho..s-
ub.w) (32) Here, .rho..sub.a1 is the density of the aggregate of
the first kind in the saturated surface-dried condition, and
.rho..sub.w is the density of water.
[0207] Next, like the aggregate of the first kind, the aggregate of
a second kind is thrown into the measurement tank so that it may
become submergence aggregate in which the aggregate of the second
kind does not appear from the water surface, the total mass
M.sub.f2 of the submergence aggregate is measured, and,
subsequently the total volume V.sub.f2 of the submergence aggregate
is measured.
[0208] Next, when the total mass M.sub.f2 of the submergence
aggregate reaches the target mass M.sub.d2, throwing the aggregate
of the second kind into the measurement tank is ended.
Subsequently, the total mass M.sub.f2 and total volume V.sub.f2 of
the submergence aggregate at that time are substituted for the
following formula, and mass M.sub.a2 in the saturated surface-dried
condition of the aggregate of the second kind is calculated.
M.sub.a2=.rho..sub.a2((M.sub.f2-M.sub.a1)-.rho..sub.w(V.sub.f2-M.sub.a1/.-
rho..sub.a1))/(.rho..sub.a2-.rho..sub.w) (33) Here, .rho..sub.a1 is
the density of the aggregate of the first kind in the saturated
surface-dried condition, .rho..sub.a2 is the density of the
aggregate of the second kind in the saturated surface-dried
condition, and .rho..sub.w is the density of water.
[0209] Hereafter, the above-mentioned procedure is repeated,
aggregate measurement is calculated one by one for the mass
M.sub.a(N-1) in the saturated surface-dried condition of the
aggregate of (N-1)th kind, and finally, the aggregate of the Nth
kind is thrown into the measurement tank so that it and water may
become submergence aggregate in which the aggregate of the Nth kind
does not appear from the water surface. Next, as mentioned above,
similarly, the total mass M.sub.fN of the submergence aggregate is
measured, and the total volume V.sub.fN of the submergence
aggregate is measured further.
[0210] Next, when the total mass M.sub.fN of the submergence
aggregate reaches a target mass M.sub.dN, throwing the aggregate of
the Nth kind into the measurement tank is ended. Subsequently, the
total mass M.sub.fN and total volume V.sub.fN of the submergence
aggregate at that time are substituted for the following formulas,
and mass M.sub.aN in the saturated surface-dried condition of the
aggregate of the Nth kind is calculated. The mass M.sub.w of water
is also calculated simultaneously. M aN = .rho. aN .times. .times.
( ( M fN - M ai .times. .times. ( i = 1 .times. .times. to .times.
.times. ( N - 1 ) ) ) - .rho. w .times. .times. ( V fN - ( M ai /
.rho. ai ) .times. .times. ( i = 1 .times. .times. to .times.
.times. ( N - 1 ) ) ) ) / ( .rho. aN - .rho. w ) ( 34 ) M w = .rho.
w .times. .times. ( .rho. aN .times. .times. ( V fN - ( M ai /
.rho. ai ) .times. .times. ( i = 1 .times. .times. to .times.
.times. ( N - 1 ) ) ) - ( M fN - M .times. ai .times. .times. ( i =
1 .times. .times. to .times. .times. ( N - 1 ) ) ) ) / ( .rho. aN -
.rho. w ) ( 35 ) ##EQU2## Here, .rho..sub.ai (i=1 to N) is the
density of the aggregate of the i-th kind in the saturated
surface-dried condition, and .rho..sub.w is the density of
water.
[0211] The total mass M.sub.fi (i=1 to N) of the submergence
aggregate is measured in real time or at predetermined time
intervals while supplying the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N)
continuously or intermittently at a predetermined rate, when
throwing cumulatively the aggregate into the measurement tank,
respectively. In addition, when the total mass M.sub.fj of the
submergence aggregate reaches the target mass M.sub.dj while
supplying the j-th aggregate, as mentioned above, the j-th
aggregate throwing is ended. If aggregate which should be
cumulatively supplied further exists (i.e., if a plurality of
aggregates should be supplied cumulatively and the j-th aggregate
is not the last aggregate), the (j+1)-th aggregate is similarly
supplied continuously as mentioned above.
[0212] When the mass M.sub.w of water and M.sub.ai (i=1 to N) are
measured and calculated, original field mixes set up according to a
specified mix are compared with these calculated results, and a
field mix is corrected if needed. That is, the mass of the measured
aggregate and the aggregate mass of the field mix are compared, and
the mixing volume of one batch is corrected according to a ratio
obtained as a result of this comparison. And according to this
ratio, the submergence aggregate is supplemented with water, of an
amount equal to an insufficiency, as secondary water, or excess
water is drained. Furthermore, according to the ratio mentioned
above, each amount of other concrete-forming materials in the field
mix, such as cement and a chemical admixture, is corrected. Next,
above-mentioned concrete-forming materials are measured according
to a corrected field mix. Finally, these concrete-forming materials
are thrown into a kneading mixer, and are kneaded.
[0213] Thus, the surface water of aggregate is indirectly computed
as a part of mass M.sub.w of water, even if an aggregate whose
moisture state is not uniform is used, and the mass of aggregate is
computed as the mass Mai (i=1 to N) of the aggregate in the
saturated surface-dried condition. That is, since the mass of the
aggregate and the water will be computed on conditions equivalent
to the specified mix, even if a humidity grade of the aggregate is
not fixed at every measurement, it becomes possible to make
concrete from an amount of water as that of the specified mix.
[0214] Furthermore, the total mass M.sub.fi (i=1 to N) of the
submergence aggregate is measured in real time or at predetermined
time intervals while supplying the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1
to N) to the measurement tank continuously, or intermittently at a
predetermined rate. Since the j-th aggregate throwing is ended when
the total mass M.sub.fj of the submergence aggregate reaches the
target mass M.sub.dj during the j-th aggregate throwing in the
aggregate of the i-th kind mentioned above, it becomes possible to
manage correctly the amount of the i-th (i=1 to N) aggregate, and
to correct the field mix, consequently to make concrete as the
specified mix.
[0215] In addition, a plurality of aggregates whose kinds, such as
density and grading, are different can be measured in terms of high
effectiveness and accuracy within one measurement tank in the
procedure mentioned above.
(Another Measurement by a Submergence Method in a Case of Supplying
a Plurality of Aggregates Whose Kinds are Different)
[0216] In another measuring method of concrete-forming materials
concerning the present invention, first, target mass Mdi (i=1 to N)
of submergence aggregate at a time of ending throwing the i-th (i=1
to N) aggregate is set up respectively.
[0217] Next, aggregate of a first kind and water are supplied to
the measurement tank so that the aggregate of the first kind may
not come out from the water surface; namely, so that the water and
aggregate may become submergence aggregate.
[0218] When throwing the aggregate and the water into the
measurement tank, it is arbitrary as to which should be thrown
first, but if the water is thrown in first and the aggregate is
thrown in later, especially in a case of fine aggregate, air bubble
mixing in the submergence aggregate can be suppressed
considerably.
[0219] Next, total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate is
measured. In order to measure the total mass M.sub.f1 of the
submergence aggregate, the mass of only the measurement tank is
subtracted from the mass of the measurement tank filled with the
submergence aggregate.
[0220] Next, the total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate
and the total volume V.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate are
substituted for formula (32), and the mass M.sub.a1 in a saturated
surface-dried condition of the aggregate of a first kind is
calculated. V.sub.f1 is determined from a first water level set up
beforehand. Here, .rho..sub.a1 is the density of the aggregate of
the first kind in the saturated surface-dried condition, and
.rho..sub.w is the density of water.
[0221] The first water level can be beforehand set up by making the
water in the submergence aggregate overflow from the measurement
tank at a predetermined depth location in the measurement tank, or
by performing suction drainage of the water in the submergence
aggregate at the predetermined depth location.
[0222] Next, like the aggregate of the first kind, aggregate of a
second kind is thrown into the measurement tank so that it may
become part of the submergence aggregate, which does not come out
from the water surface, and subsequently the total mass M.sub.f2 of
the submergence aggregate is measured.
[0223] Next, the total mass M.sub.f2 of the submergence aggregate
and the total volume V.sub.f2 of the submergence aggregate are
substituted for formula (33), and the mass M.sub.a2 in the
saturated surface-dried condition of the aggregate of the second
kind is calculated. V.sub.f2 is determined from a second water
level set up beforehand. Here, .rho..sub.a1 is the density of the
aggregate of the first kind in the saturated surface-dried
condition, .rho..sub.a2 is the density of the aggregate of the
second kind in the saturated surface-dried condition, and
.rho..sub.w is the density of water.
[0224] Like the first water level, the second water level can be
beforehand set up by making the water in the submergence aggregate
overflow from the measurement tank at a predetermined depth
location in the measurement tank, or by performing suction drainage
of the water in the submergence aggregate at the predetermined
depth location.
[0225] Hereafter, by repeating the above-mentioned procedure, the
mass of the aggregate in the saturated surface-dried condition is
calculated one by one to the mass M.sub.a(N-1) of the aggregate of
(N-1)th kind in the saturated surface-dried condition, and finally,
aggregate of the Nth kind is thrown into the measurement tank so
that it may become part of the submergence aggregate, which does
not come out from the water surface.
[0226] Next, the total mass M.sub.fN of the submergence aggregate
is similarly measured as mentioned above.
[0227] Next, the total mass M.sub.fN and the total volume V.sub.fN
of the submergence aggregate are substituted for formulas (34) and
(35), and the mass M.sub.aN of the aggregate of the Nth kind in the
saturated surface-dried condition and the mass M.sub.w of water are
calculated. Here, .rho..sub.ai (i=1 to N) is the density of the
aggregate of the i-th kind in the saturated surface-dried
condition, and .rho..sub.w is the density of water. In addition,
the total volume V.sub.fN of the submergence aggregate can be
calculated from Nth water level, and the Nth water level can be set
up like the first water level and the second water level which were
mentioned above.
[0228] The total mass M.sub.fi (i=1 to N) of the submergence
aggregate is measured in real time or at predetermined time
intervals while supplying the aggregate of i-th kind (i=1 to N)
continuously, or intermittently at a predetermined rate, when
throwing cumulatively the aggregate into the measurement tank,
respectively. While draining redundant water from the measurement
tank so that the water level of the submergence aggregate may not
exceed the j-th water level during the j-th aggregate throwing, the
j-th aggregate throwing is ended when the total mass M.sub.fj of
the submergence aggregate reaches the target mass M.sub.dj of the
submergence aggregate.
[0229] On the other hand, if the water level of the submergence
aggregate does not reach the j-th water level, when there is no
redundant water, it is supplemented with water so that it may reach
the j-th water level, and, subsequently re-measurement of the total
mass M.sub.fj of the submergence aggregate, recalculation of the
mass M.sub.aj of the j-th aggregate in the saturated surface-dried
condition, and recalculation of the mass M.sub.w of water are
performed.
[0230] If aggregate which should be cumulatively supplied further
exists (i.e., if a plurality of aggregates should be supplied
cumulatively and the j-th aggregate is not the last aggregate), the
(j+1)-th aggregate is similarly supplied continuously as mentioned
above.
[0231] Thus, after measuring the i-th (i=1 to N) aggregate and
water, other concrete-forming materials, such as cement and a
chemical admixture, are appropriately measured. With these
concrete-forming materials, the i-th (i=1 to N) aggregate and water
are fed into a kneading mixer and are kneaded.
[0232] Here, when the total mass M.sub.fj of the submergence
aggregate reaches the target mass M.sub.dj of the submergence
aggregate, while draining redundant water so that the water level
of the submergence aggregate may not exceed the j-th water level
set up beforehand, the mass M.sub.aj of the j-th aggregate in the
saturated surface-dried condition becomes equal to the value set up
first. Therefore, it is not necessary to correct the field mix.
[0233] On the other hand, when the water level of the submergence
aggregate has not reached the j-th water level set up beforehand,
it is supplemented with water so that it may reach this j-th water
level. Therefore, the calculated value of the mass M.sub.aj of the
j-th aggregate in the saturated surface-dried condition differs
from the value set up first. In this case, the value measured and
calculated is compared with the value of the field mix set up first
according to the specified mix, and, subsequently corrects the
field mix if needed. That is, the measured aggregate mass and the
aggregate mass of the field mix set up first are compared, and the
mixing volume of one batch is corrected according to a ratio
obtained by this comparison. In addition, according to this ratio,
the submergence aggregate is supplemented with water, equal in
amount to that of an insufficiency, as secondary water, or excess
water is drained. Similarly, with regard to the amount of other
concrete-forming materials, such as cement and a chemical
admixture, the original field mix is corrected according to the
ratio mentioned above, other concrete-forming materials are
measured according to this correaction, and these are thrown into
the kneading mixer and kneaded.
[0234] Thus, the surface water of aggregate is indirectly computed
as apart of mass M.sub.w of water, even if an aggregate whose
moisture state is not uniform is used, and the mass of aggregate is
computed as the mass M.sub.ai (i=1 to N) of the aggregate in the
saturated surface-dried condition. That is, since the mass of the
aggregate and the water will be computed on conditions equivalent
to the specified mix, even if a humidity grade of the aggregate is
not fixed at every measurement, it becomes possible to make
concrete from an amount of water as that of the specified mix.
[0235] As mentioned above, when the total mass M.sub.fj of the
submergence aggregate reaches the target mass M.sub.dj of the
submergence aggregate, j-th aggregate throwing is ended, and when
the water level of the submergence aggregate at that time has not
reached the j-th water level set up beforehand, it is supplemented
with water so that it may reach this j-th water level. And
re-measurement of mass M.sub.fj, recalculation of mass M.sub.aj,
and recalculation of mass M.sub.w are performed. Therefore, the
total volume V.sub.fi (i=1 to N) of the submergence aggregate
serves as a known value, by which it becomes unnecessary to measure
this volume, and the input of the i-th (i=1 to N) aggregate can be
managed correctly. And it becomes possible as a result to make
concrete as the specified mix.
[0236] In addition, a plurality of aggregates whose kinds, such as
density and grading, are different are measured in terms of high
effectiveness and accuracy within one measurement tank in the
procedure mentioned above.
[0237] The percentage of surface moisture of the i-th (i=1 to N)
aggregate can be calculated in the following procedure. That is,
the amount of supplied to water M.sub.I the measurement tank and
the amount of water M.sub.O discharged from the measurement tank
are first measured as accumulation values. Next, the amount of
supplied water M.sub.I, the amount of discharged water M.sub.O, and
the total mass M.sub.fi (i=1 to N) are substituted for the
following formula, and .SIGMA.M.sub.awj (j=1, 2, 3, . . . i) is
calculated. .SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to i)=M.sub.fi-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O)
(14) Next, M.sub.awi is calculated from the following formula.
.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to i)-.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to (i-1)) (15)
Next, M.sub.awi is substituted for the following formula and a
percentage of surface moisture is calculated.
(M.sub.awi-M.sub.ai)/M.sub.ai (13)
[0238] Here, the accumulation value of the amount of water M.sub.I
supplied to the measurement tank does not necessarily increase, but
can be the amount of water thrown first, in other words, the
accumulation value can be fixed without change. Similarly, water is
not necessarily drained by the amount of water M.sub.O discharged
from the measurement tank, but the accumulation value can remain
zero.
[0239] When taking into consideration the air content in
submergence aggregate (a (%)), still higher-precision measurement
can be performed with the actual total volume except the air
content by replacing V.sub.fi (i=1 to N) with V.sub.fi(i=1 to
N)(1-a/100).
(Program for Measurement by a Submergence Method in a Case of
Supplying a Plurality of Aggregates Whose Kinds are Different)
[0240] In order to measure and calculate concrete-forming materials
using a program concerning the present invention, it is possible to
make the program run with a personal computer. That is, density
.rho..sub.ai (i=1 to N) of the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to
N) in the saturated surface-dried condition, density .rho..sub.w of
water, and the target mass M.sub.di (i=1 to N) of submergence
aggregate are first inputted using means for inputting data, such
as a keyboard and a mouse. Here, the target mass M.sub.di (i=1 to
N) of submergence aggregate is the target mass of submergence
aggregate when the process for throwing the aggregate of the i-th
kind (i=1 to N) is completed. Next, the inputted value is stored in
means for storing data comprising a hard disk or the like.
[0241] Next, the aggregate of the first kind and water are supplied
to the measurement tank so that the aggregate of the first kind may
not come out from the water surface, namely, so that this aggregate
and water may become submergence aggregate.
[0242] When throwing the aggregate and the water into the
measurement tank, it is arbitrary as to which should be thrown
first, but if the water is thrown in first and the aggregate is
thrown in later, especially in a case of fine aggregate, air bubble
mixing in the submergence aggregate can be suppressed
considerably.
[0243] Next, total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate is
measured. In order to measure the total mass M.sub.f1 of the
submergence aggregate, the mass of only the measurement tank is
subtracted from the mass of the measurement tank filled with the
submergence aggregate.
[0244] Next, total volume V.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate is
measured. Here, in order to measure total volume V.sub.f1 of the
submergence aggregate, means for measuring a water level for
measuring a level of the submergence aggregate, such as an
electrode-type displacement sensor, can be used.
[0245] Next, the density .rho..sub.a1 of the aggregate of the first
kind and the density .rho..sub.w of water are read from the means
for storing data. Subsequently, the mass M.sub.a1 of the aggregate
of the first kind in the saturated surface-dried condition is
calculated by means for calculating by substituting these read
values for formula (32) with the total mass M.sub.f1 of the
submergence aggregate, and the total volume V.sub.f1 of the
submergence aggregate. Next, this calculated result is stored in
the means for storing data.
[0246] Next, like the aggregate of the first kind, the aggregate of
the second kind is thrown into the measurement tank so that it may
become submergence aggregate which does not come out from the water
surface, and subsequently the total mass M.sub.f2 of the
submergence aggregate is measured. In addition, the total volume
V.sub.f2 of the submergence aggregate is also measured.
[0247] Next, the density .rho..sub.a1 in the saturated
surface-dried condition of the aggregate of the first kind, the
density .rho..sub.a2 of the aggregate of the second kind, and the
density .rho..sub.w of water are read from the means for storing
data. Subsequently, the mass M.sub.a2 of the aggregate of the
second kind in the saturated surface-dried condition is calculated
by the means for calculating by substituting these read values into
formula (33) with the total mass M.sub.f2 of the submergence
aggregate, and the total volume V.sub.f2 of the submergence
aggregate. Next, this calculated result is stored in the means for
storing data.
[0248] Hereafter, the above-mentioned procedure is repeated,
aggregate measurement is calculated one by one to the mass
M.sub.a(N-1) in the saturated surface-dried condition of the
aggregate of the (N-1)th kind by the means for calculating, and
this calculated result is stored in the means for storing data.
Finally, the aggregate of the Nth kind is thrown into the
measurement tank so that it may become part of submergence
aggregate in which the aggregate of the Nth kind does not appear
from the water surface.
[0249] Next, similarly as mentioned above, the total mass M.sub.fN
of the submergence aggregate is measured, and the total volume
V.sub.fN of the submergence aggregate is measured.
[0250] Next, the density .rho..sub.ai (i=1 to N) in the saturated
surface-dried condition of the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to
N), and the density .rho..sub.w of water are read from the means
for storing data. Subsequently, the mass M.sub.aN of the aggregate
of the Nth kind in the saturated surface-dried condition and the
mass M.sub.w of water are calculated by the means for calculating
by substituting these read values into formulas (34) and (35) with
the total mass M.sub.fN of the submergence aggregate and the total
volume V.sub.fN of the submergence aggregate.
[0251] The total mass M.sub.fi (i=1 to N) of the submergence
aggregate is measured in real time or at predetermined time
intervals while supplying the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N)
continuously or intermittently at a predetermined rate, when
throwing cumulatively the aggregate into the measurement tank. And
when the total mass M.sub.fj of the submergence aggregate reaches
the target mass M.sub.dj of the submergence aggregate, throwing the
j-th aggregate is ended.
[0252] If aggregate which should be cumulatively supplied further
exists (i.e., if a plurality of aggregates should be supplied
cumulatively and the j-th aggregate is not the last aggregate), the
(j+1)-th aggregate is similarly supplied continuously as mentioned
above.
[0253] When the mass M.sub.w of water and M.sub.ai (i=1 to N) are
measured and calculated, the original field mixes set up according
to the specified mix are compared with these calculated results,
and the field mix is corrected if needed. That is, the measured
aggregate mass and the aggregate mass of the field mix set up first
are compared, and a ratio obtained by this comparison is stored in
the means for storing data. Next, the ratio is read from the means
for storing data at any time, and the mixing volume of one batch is
corrected according to the ratio. In addition, according to this
ratio, the submergence aggregate is supplemented with water, equal
in amount to that of an insufficiency, as secondary water, or
excess water is drained. Similarly, with regard to the amount of
other concrete-forming materials, such as cement and a chemical
admixture, the original field mix is corrected according to the
ratio mentioned above, other concrete-forming materials are
measured according to this correaction, and these are thrown into a
kneading mixer and kneaded.
[0254] Thus, the surface water of aggregate is indirectly computed
as apart of mass M.sub.w of water, even if an aggregate whose
moisture state is not uniform is used, and the mass of aggregate is
computed as the mass M.sub.ai (i=1 to N) of the aggregate in the
saturated surface-dried condition. That is, since the mass of the
aggregate and the water will be computed on conditions equivalent
to the specified mix, even if a humidity grade of the aggregate is
not fixed at every measurement, it becomes possible to make
concrete from an amount of water as that of the specified mix.
[0255] Furthermore, the total mass M.sub.fi (i=1 to N) of the
submergence aggregate is measured in real time or at predetermined
time intervals while supplying the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1
to N) into the measurement tank continuously or intermittently at a
predetermined rate. Since the j-th aggregate throwing is ended when
the total mass M.sub.fj of the submergence aggregate reaches the
target mass M.sub.dj during the j-th aggregate throwing in the
aggregate of the i-th kind mentioned above, it becomes possible to
manage correctly the amount of the i-th (i=1 to N) aggregate, and
to correct the field mix, consequently to make concrete as the
specified mix.
[0256] In addition, a plurality of aggregates whose kinds, such as
density and grading, are different can be measured in terms of high
effectiveness and accuracy within one measurement tank in the
procedure mentioned above.
(Another Program for Measurement by a Submergence Method in a Case
of Supplying a Plurality of Aggregates Whose Kinds are
Different)
[0257] In order to measure and calculate concrete-forming materials
using another program concerning the present invention, as
mentioned above, it is possible to make the program run with a
personal computer. That is, density .rho.ai (i=1 to N) of the
aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) in the saturated
surface-dried condition, density .rho..sub.w of water, and the
target mass M.sub.di (i=1 to N) of submergence aggregate are first
inputted using means for inputting data, such as a keyboard and a
mouse. Here, the target mass M.sub.di (i=1 to N) of submergence
aggregate is the target mass of submergence aggregate when the
process for throwing the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) is
completed. Next, this inputted value is stored in means for storing
data comprising a hard disk or the like.
[0258] Next, aggregate of a first kind and water are supplied to
the measurement tank so that the aggregate of the first kind may
not come out from the water surface, namely, so that this aggregate
and water may become submergence aggregate.
[0259] When throwing the aggregate and the water into the
measurement tank, it is arbitrary as to which should be thrown
first, but if the water is thrown in first and the aggregate is
thrown in later, especially in a case of fine aggregate, air bubble
mixing in the submergence aggregate can be suppressed
considerably.
[0260] Next, total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate is
measured. In order to measure the total mass M.sub.f1 of the
submergence aggregate, the mass of only the measurement tank is
subtracted from the mass of the measurement tank filled with the
submergence aggregate.
[0261] Next, the density .rho..sub.a1 of the aggregate of the first
kind and the density .rho..sub.w of water are read from the means
for storing data. Subsequently, the mass M.sub.a1 of the aggregate
of the first kind in the saturated surface-dried condition is
calculated by means for calculating by substituting these read
values into formulas (32) with the total mass M.sub.f1 of the
submergence aggregate, and the total volume V.sub.f1 of the
submergence aggregate. Next, this calculated result is stored in
the means for storing data.
[0262] V.sub.f1 is determined from a first water level set up
beforehand.
[0263] The first water level can be beforehand set up by making the
water in the submergence aggregate overflow from the measurement
tank at a predetermined depth location in the measurement tank, or
by performing suction drainage of the water in the submergence
aggregate at the predetermined depth location.
[0264] Next, like the aggregate of the first kind, aggregate of a
second kind is thrown into the measurement tank so that it may
become part of submergence aggregate, which does not come out from
the water surface, and subsequently the total mass M.sub.f2 of the
submergence aggregate is measured.
[0265] Next, the density .rho..sub.a1 in the saturated
surface-dried condition of the aggregate of the first kind, the
density .rho..sub.a2 of the aggregate of the second kind, and the
density .rho..sub.w of water are read from the means for storing
data. Subsequently, the mass M.sub.a2 of the aggregate of the
second kind in the saturated surface-dried condition is calculated
by the means for calculating by substituting these read values into
formula (33) with the total mass M.sub.f2 of the submergence
aggregate, and the total volume V.sub.f2 of the submergence
aggregate. Next, this calculated result is stored in the means for
storing data.
[0266] V.sub.f2 is determined from a second water level set up
beforehand.
[0267] Hereafter, the above-mentioned procedure is repeated,
aggregate measurement is calculated one by one to the mass
M.sub.a(N-1) in the saturated surface-dried condition of the
aggregate of (N-1)th kind by the means for calculating, and this
calculated result is stored in the means for storing data. Finally,
the aggregate of the Nth kind is thrown into the measurement tank
so that it may become part of submergence aggregate in which the
aggregate of the Nth kind does not appear from the water
surface.
[0268] Next, similarly as mentioned above, the total mass M.sub.fN
of the submergence aggregate is measured.
[0269] Next, the density .rho..sub.ai (i=1 to N) in the saturated
surface-dried condition of the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to
N), and the density .rho..sub.w of water are read from the means
for storing data. Subsequently, the mass M.sub.aN of the aggregate
of the Nth kind in the saturated surface-dried condition and the
mass M.sub.w of water are calculated by the means for calculating
by substituting these read values into formulas (34) and (35) with
the total mass M.sub.fN of the submergence aggregate and the total
volume V.sub.fN of the submergence aggregate.
[0270] V.sub.fN is determined from the Nth water level set up
beforehand.
[0271] The total mass M.sub.fi (i=1 to N) of the submergence
aggregate is measured in real time or at predetermined time
intervals while supplying the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N)
continuously or intermittently at a predetermined rate, when
throwing cumulatively the aggregate into the measurement tank.
While draining redundant water from the measurement tank so that
the water level of the submergence aggregate may not exceed the
j-th water level during the j-th aggregate throwing, the j-th
aggregate throwing is ended when the total mass M.sub.fj of the
submergence aggregate reaches the target mass M.sub.dj of the
submergence aggregate.
[0272] On the other hand, when the water level of the submergence
aggregate at that time has not reached the j-th water level set up
beforehand, the submergence aggregate is supplemented with water so
that it may reach this j-th water level. And re-measurement of mass
M.sub.fj, recalculation of mass M.sub.aj, and recalculation of mass
M.sub.w are performed.
[0273] If aggregate which should be cumulatively supplied further
exists (i.e., if a plurality of aggregates should be supplied
cumulatively and the j-th aggregate is not the last aggregate), the
(j+1)-th aggregate is similarly supplied continuously as mentioned
above.
[0274] Thus, after measuring the i-th (i=1 to N) aggregate and
water, other concrete-forming materials, such as cement and a
chemical admixture, are measured, and with these concrete-forming
materials, the i-th (i=1 to N) aggregate and water are fed into a
kneading mixer, and are kneaded. Here, when the total mass M.sub.fj
of the submergence aggregate reaches the target mass M.sub.dj of
the submergence aggregate in draining redundant water so that the
water level of the submergence aggregate may not exceed the j-th
water level set up beforehand, the mass M.sub.aj of the j-th
aggregate in the saturated surface-dried condition becomes equal to
the value set up first. Therefore, it is not necessary to correct
the field mix.
[0275] On the other hand, when the water level of the submergence
aggregate has not reached the j-th water level set up beforehand,
the submergence aggregate is supplemented with water so that it may
reach this j-th water level. Therefore, the calculated value of the
mass Maj of the j-th aggregate in the saturated surface-dried
condition differs from the value set up first. In this case, the
value measured and calculated is compared with the value of the
field mix set up first according to the specified mix, and the
field mix is then corrected if needed. That is, the measured
aggregate mass and the aggregate mass of the field mix set up first
are compared, and a ratio obtained by this comparison is stored in
the means for storing data. Next, the ratio is read from the means
for storing data at any time, and the mixing volume of one batch is
corrected according to the ratio. In addition, according to this
ratio, the submergence aggregate is supplemented with water, equal
in amount to that of an insufficiency, as secondary water, or
excess water is drained. Similarly, with regard to the amount of
other concrete-forming materials, such as cement and a chemical
admixture, the original field mix is corrected according to the
ratio mentioned above, other concrete-forming materials are
measured according to this correaction, and these are thrown into
the kneading mixer and kneaded.
[0276] Thus, the surface water of aggregate is indirectly computed
as apart of mass M.sub.w of water, even if an aggregate whose
moisture state is not uniform is used, and the mass of aggregate is
computed as the mass Mai (i=1 to N) of the aggregate in the
saturated surface-dried condition. That is, since the mass of the
aggregate and the water will be computed on conditions equivalent
to the specified mix, even if a humidity grade of the aggregate is
not fixed at every measurement, it becomes possible to make
concrete from an amount of water as that of the specified mix.
[0277] Furthermore, when the total mass M.sub.fj of the submergence
aggregate reaches the target mass M.sub.dj of the submergence
aggregate, the j-th aggregate throwing is ended, and when the water
level of the submergence aggregate at that time has not reached the
j-th water level set up beforehand, the submergence aggregate is
supplemented with water so that it may reach this j-th water level.
And re-measurement of mass M.sub.fj, recalculation of mass
M.sub.aj, and recalculation of mass M.sub.w are performed.
Therefore, the total volume V.sub.fi (i=1 to N) of the submergence
aggregate serves as a known value, and it becomes unnecessary to
measure this volume, and the input of the i-th (i=1 to N) aggregate
can be managed correctly. And it becomes possible as a result to
make concrete as the specified mix.
[0278] In addition, a plurality of aggregates whose kinds, such as
density and grading, are different can be measured in terms of high
effectiveness and accuracy within one measurement tank in the
procedure mentioned above.
[0279] The percentage of surface moisture of the i-th (i=1 to N)
aggregate can be calculated in the following procedure. That is,
the amount of water M.sub.I supplied to the measurement tank and
the amount of water M.sub.O discharged from the measurement tank
are first measured as accumulation values, and this measured data
are stored in the means for storing data. Next, the amount of
supplied water M.sub.I, the amount of discharged water M.sub.O, and
the total mass M.sub.fi (i=1 to N) are read from the means for
storing data, these data are substituted into the following
formula, and .SIGMA.M.sub.awj (j=1, 2, 3, . . . i) is calculated by
the means for calculating. .SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to
i)=M.sub.fi-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (14) Next, the measured data are
stored in the means for storing data. Next, Mawi is calculated from
the following formula by the means for calculating.
.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to i)-.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to (i-1)) (15)
Next, M.sub.awi is substituted for the following formula and a
percentage of surface moisture is calculated by the means for
calculating. (M.sub.awi-M.sub.ai)/M.sub.ai (13) Here, the
accumulation value of the amount of water M.sub.I supplied to the
measurement tank does not necessarily increase, but can be the
amount of water thrown first; in other words, the accumulation
value can be fixed without change. Similarly, water is not
necessarily drained by the amount of water M.sub.O discharged from
the measurement tank, but the accumulation value can remain
zero.
[0280] When taking into consideration air content in submergence
aggregate (a (%)), still higher-precision measurement can be
performed with the actual total volume except the air content by
replacing V.sub.fi (i=1, 2, 3, . . . N) with V.sub.fi (i=1, 2, 3, .
. . N)(1-a/100).
[0281] The computer-readable recording medium of the present
invention can be of any type such as FD, CD-ROM, CD-R, or MD
naturally.
(Discharge Mechanism of a Measurement Container)
[0282] In a discharge mechanism of a measurement container of the
present invention, after completing measurement of submergence
aggregate, a fall discharge of the submergence aggregate is
performed by opening a bottom lid. Thereafter, a top face of the
bottom lid is sprayed with a gas flow by means of a gas spraying
mechanism provided near the bottom lid with the bottom lid
opened.
[0283] With this, aggregate adhering to the top face of the bottom
lid at a time of discharge of the submergence aggregate will be
blown away by the gas flow. Therefore, even if the bottom lid is
closed for preparation for a subsequent measurement, the aggregate
is not caught between a body of the measurement container and the
bottom lid.
[0284] Therefore, the mechanism prevents an occurrence of an error
in the measurement which may be caused by a leakage of water from a
clearance by the aggregate being caught. Furthermore, a seal member
provided in the body of the measurement container or the bottom lid
is not damaged.
[0285] In the discharge mechanism of the measurement container
concerning the present invention, after completing the measurement
of the submergence aggregate, the fall discharge of the submergence
aggregate is performed by opening the bottom lid. The bottom lid is
not rotated around a horizontal axis as has been conventional, but
the bottom lid is moved in a translation direction or rotated in a
predetermined plane.
[0286] Thus, in the prior art, if the bottom lid is opened, it will
hang down. Therefore, an opening-and-closing space of the bottom
lid must be secured in a height direction in the prior art.
However, it is not necessary to secure the opening-and-closing
space of the bottom lid in the height direction in the present
invention, but it is only necessary to secure the space in the
plane.
[0287] Therefore, a bottom opening of the body of the measurement
container can be lowered by the indispensable opening-and-closing
height in the prior art, and certain throwing into a kneading mixer
is possible.
[0288] An arbitrary constitution may be used for moving the bottom
lid in the translation or rotating direction in the plane. For
example, there can be a constitution having a pair of guide rails
parallel to each other attached at a bottom end of the body of the
measurement container so as to translate the bottom lid along the
guide rails. Otherwise, there can be a constitution having a
rotational axis installed in a protrusion extending from a rim of
the bottom lid, with the rotational axis attached rotatably by
inserting the axis into a hollow of a hinge member on a
circumferential surface of the body of the measurement container,
so that the bottom lid can rotate.
[0289] In the discharge mechanism of the measurement container of
the present invention, after completing the measurement of the
submergence aggregate, the fall discharge of the submergence
aggregate is performed by opening the bottom lid. Thereafter, the
top face of the bottom lid is sprayed with a gas flow by means of
the gas spraying mechanism provided near the bottom lid with the
bottom lid opened.
[0290] With this, the aggregate adhering to the top face of the
bottom lid at the time of discharging the submergence aggregate
will be blown away by the gas flow. Therefore, even if the bottom
lid is closed for a preparation for a subsequent measurement, the
aggregate is not caught between the body of the measurement
container and the bottom lid.
[0291] Therefore, the mechanism prevents an occurrence of an error
in the measurement which may be caused by a leakage of water from
the clearance by the aggregate being caught. Furthermore, the seal
member provided in the body of the measurement container or the
bottom lid is not damaged.
[0292] In the discharge mechanism of the measurement container of
the present invention, it is arbitrary as to how the gas spraying
mechanism should be configured and where it should be installed.
For example, the gas spraying mechanism can be an air spray nozzle
connected in communication with an air compressor.
[0293] Furthermore, in the discharge mechanism of the measurement
container of the present invention, after completing the
measurement of the submergence aggregate, the fall discharge of the
submergence aggregate is performed by opening the bottom lid. The
bottom lid is not rotated around a horizontal axis as has been
conventional, but it is moved in the translation direction or
rotated in the predetermined plane.
[0294] Thus, in the prior art, if the bottom lid is opened, it will
hang down. Therefore, the opening-and-closing space of the bottom
lid must be secured in the height direction in the prior art.
However, it is not necessary to secure the opening-and-closing
space of the bottom lid in the height direction in the present
invention, but it only needs to secure the space only in the
plane.
[0295] Therefore, the bottom opening of the body of the measurement
container can be lowered by the indispensable opening-and-closing
height in the prior art, and certain throwing into a kneading mixer
is possible.
[0296] The constitution is arbitrarily chosen to move the bottom
lid between mechanisms for the translation and the rotation in the
level surface. For example, there can be a constitution having a
pair of guide rails parallel to each other attached at a bottom end
of the body of the measurement container so as to translate the
bottom lid along the guide rails. Otherwise, there can be a
constitution having a rotational axis installed in a protrusion
extending from the rim of the bottom lid, with the rotational axis
attached rotatably by inserting the axis into the hollow of a hinge
member on the circumferential surface of the body of the
measurement container, so that the bottom lid can rotate.
[0297] In the measuring apparatus of the present invention, a
plurality of measurement containers have volumes different from
each other at a normal water level where they have the same depths.
In measurement, measurement containers are selected out of the
plurality of measurement containers mentioned above according to
each mass of aggregate required for kneading the concrete-forming
materials. Furthermore, water levels are measured and monitored by
means for measuring a water level, while driving and controlling
means for regulating a water level so as to maintain the water
levels of submergence aggregates in the measurement containers at a
normal water level.
[0298] With this, measured water levels match the normal water
level where they have the same depth even if any measurement
containers are used for the measurement. Therefore, an accuracy of
the water level measurement, and thus an accuracy of conversion to
the total volume of the submergence aggregate, is uniform
throughout all the measurement containers.
[0299] Accordingly, even if a required mass of aggregate differs,
it is possible to uniformize the accuracy of a total volume, and
thus accuracy of an aggregate measurement.
[0300] The means for regulating the water level can be a suction
unit for sucking and removing water, for example. If the water
level of the submergence aggregate in the measurement container
exceeds the normal water level, the suction unit should be driven
to control the water level with a measured value from the means for
measuring the water level as a controlled variable.
[0301] The mass of aggregate required for kneading the
concrete-forming materials depends upon the specified mix
proportion of the concrete-forming materials or upon a given amount
determined by a specification of a kneading mixer. It also depends
upon whether the mixing volume should be a given amount or an
amount smaller than the given amount. Furthermore, naturally each
mass of aggregate differs with each proportion when a plurality of
aggregates are mixed to obtain a desired grading, for example.
[0302] The above is considered by giving a concrete example. It is
assumed that there are the following cases: aggregates are kneaded
with a given amount by the kneading mixer as one batch, with
two-thirds of the given amount as one batch, and with one-half of
the given amount as one batch. In these circumstances, measurement
is conducted by using three measurement containers whose volumes
are the given amount, the given amount multiplied by two-thirds,
and the given amount multiplied by one-half, respectively, at a
normal water level where they have the same depth.
(Measuring Apparatus Using a Plurality of Measurement
Containers)
[0303] A measuring apparatus for concrete-forming materials of the
present invention comprises means for maintaining water levels of
submergence aggregates in a plurality of measurement containers at
a normal water level at which they have the same depth. In
measurement, measurement containers are selected out of the
plurality of measurement containers according to each mass of
aggregate required for kneading the concrete-forming materials.
Furthermore, the water levels of the submergence aggregates are
kept at the normal water level by the means for maintaining water
levels mentioned above.
[0304] With this, the water levels of the submergence aggregates
always match the normal water level where they have the same depth
even if any measurement containers are used for the measurement.
Therefore, an accuracy of the water level measurement, and thus an
accuracy of conversion to the total volume of the submergence
aggregate is uniform throughout all the measurement containers.
[0305] Accordingly, even if a required mass of aggregate differs,
it is possible to uniformize the accuracy of the total volume, and
thus the accuracy of the aggregate measurement.
[0306] The mass of aggregate required for kneading the
concrete-forming materials depends upon the specified mix
proportion of the concrete-forming materials or upon a given amount
determined by a specification of a kneading mixer. It also depends
upon whether the mixing volume should be the given amount or an
amount smaller than the given amount. Furthermore, naturally each
mass of aggregate differs with each proportion when a plurality of
aggregates are mixed to obtain desired grading, for example.
[0307] The above is considered by giving a concrete example. It is
assumed that there are the following cases: aggregates are kneaded
with a given amount by the kneading mixer as one batch, with
two-thirds of the given amount as one batch, and with one-half of
the given amount as one batch. In these circumstances, measurement
is conducted by using three measurement containers whose volumes
are the given amount, the given amount multiplied by two-thirds,
and the given amount multiplied by one-half, respectively, at a
normal water level where they have the same depth.
[0308] Furthermore, the measuring apparatus of concrete-forming
materials of the present invention comprises the means for
maintaining water levels, which maintains the water levels of the
submergence aggregates in the plurality of measurement containers
at the normal water level where they have the same depth. In the
measurement, measurement containers are selected out of the
plurality of measurement containers according to each mass of
aggregate required for kneading the concrete-forming materials.
Furthermore, the water levels of the submergence aggregates are
kept at the normal water level by the means for maintaining water
levels mentioned above.
[0309] With this, the water levels of the submergence aggregates
always match the normal water level where they have the same depth
even if any measurement containers are used for the measurement.
Therefore, an accuracy of the water level measurement, and thus an
accuracy of conversion to the total volume of the submergence
aggregate, is uniform throughout all the measurement
containers.
[0310] Accordingly, even if a required mass of aggregate differs,
it is possible to uniformize the accuracy of the total volume, and
thus the accuracy of the aggregate measurement.
[0311] In this specification, the term "means for measuring an
amount of supplied or discharged water" does not mean means for
measuring an amount of supplied water or an amount of discharged
water individually, but it means one capable of measuring an amount
of water obtained by subtracting an amount of discharged water from
an amount of supplied water to the measurement container as an
accumulation value. In a case where no water is supplied after
throwing water into the measurement container first, for example,
only the amount of discharged water need be measured.
[0312] The mass of aggregate required for kneading the
concrete-forming materials depends upon the specified mix
proportion of the concrete-forming materials or upon a given amount
determined by a specification of the kneading mixer. It also
depends upon whether a mixing volume should be a given amount or an
amount smaller than the given amount. Furthermore, naturally each
mass of aggregate differs with each proportion when a plurality of
aggregates are mixed to obtain a desired grading, for example.
[0313] The above is considered by giving a concrete example. It is
assumed that there are the following cases: aggregates are kneaded
with a given amount by a kneading mixer as one batch, with
two-thirds of the given amount as one batch, and with one-half of
the given amount as one batch. In these circumstances, measurement
is conducted by using three measurement containers whose volumes
are the given amount, the given amount multiplied by two-thirds,
and the given amount multiplied by one-half, respectively, at a
normal water level where they have the same depth.
[0314] As long as a fixed water level is maintained in the
measurement containers, the constitution of the means for
maintaining water levels is arbitrary. For example, the means can
be a suction unit preventing the water level from increasing to
exceed the normal water level or can be an opening for overflow
formed in a wall of a measurement container so that water in the
measurement container overflows to outside of the measurement
container when the water reaches the normal water level.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0315] FIG. 1 is a general side view of a preferable measuring
apparatus for concrete-forming materials according to the present
invention;
[0316] FIG. 2 is another general side view of the preferable
measuring apparatus for concrete-forming materials according to the
present invention;
[0317] FIG. 3 is an expanded side view of the measuring apparatus
in FIG. 2;
[0318] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing an
arrangement condition of a vibrating feeder 5, a screen device 23,
and a measurement tank 6;
[0319] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing an
arrangement condition of an electrode-type displacement sensor 7
and the measurement tank 6;
[0320] FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams showing a condition where fine
aggregate is thrown into the measurement tank 6 by using the
preferable measuring apparatus for concrete-forming materials
according to the present invention, with FIG. 6A being a side view
and FIG. 6B being a view along line A-A of FIG. 6A;
[0321] FIG. 7 is a side view showing a condition where a
measurement is made on a water level of submergence fine aggregate
thrown into the measurement tank 6 by using the preferable
measuring apparatus for concrete-forming materials according to the
present invention;
[0322] FIG. 8 is a general view of the preferable measuring
apparatus for concrete-forming materials according to the present
invention;
[0323] FIG. 9 is a cross section of the measurement tank taken
along line B-B of FIG. 8;
[0324] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a preferable measuring method
for concrete-forming materials according to the present
invention;
[0325] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an action of the preferable
measuring apparatus for concrete-forming materials according to the
present invention;
[0326] FIG. 12 is a general view showing a measuring apparatus for
concrete-forming materials according to a modification of the
invention;
[0327] FIG. 13 is a cross section of a measurement tank taken along
line C-C of FIG. 12;
[0328] FIG. 14 is a general view showing a measuring apparatus for
concrete-forming materials according to another modification of the
invention;
[0329] FIG. 15 is a cross section of a measurement tank taken along
line D-D of FIG. 14;
[0330] FIG. 16 is a cross section of a measuring apparatus for
concrete-forming materials according to another modification of the
invention;
[0331] FIG. 17 is a general view of a measuring apparatus for
concrete-forming materials according to still another modification
of the invention;
[0332] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a measuring method for
concrete-forming materials according to another modification of the
invention;
[0333] FIG. 19 is a general view of a measuring apparatus for
concrete-forming materials according to another modification of the
invention;
[0334] FIG. 20 is a cross section of a measurement tank taken along
line E-E of FIG. 19;
[0335] FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a preferable measuring method for
concrete-forming materials according to the present invention;
[0336] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an action of a preferable
measuring apparatus for concrete-forming materials according to the
present invention;
[0337] FIG. 23 is a general view of a preferable measuring
apparatus for concrete-forming materials according to the present
invention;
[0338] FIG. 24 is a cross section of a submergence aggregate
container taken along line F-F of FIG. 23;
[0339] FIG. 25 is a flowchart of a preferable measuring method for
concrete-forming materials according to the present invention;
[0340] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an action of the preferable
measuring apparatus for concrete-forming materials according to the
present invention;
[0341] FIG. 27 is a general view of a measuring apparatus for
concrete-forming materials according to a modification of the
invention;
[0342] FIG. 28 is a cross section of a submergence aggregate
container taken along line G-G of FIG. 27;
[0343] FIG. 29 is a general view of a measuring apparatus for
concrete-forming materials according to another modification of the
invention;
[0344] FIG. 30 is a cross section of a submergence aggregate
container taken along line H-H of FIG. 29;
[0345] FIG. 31 is a cross section of a measuring apparatus for
concrete-forming materials according to another modification of the
invention;
[0346] FIG. 32 is a flowchart of a preferable measuring method for
concrete-forming materials according to the present invention;
[0347] FIG. 33 is a flowchart of another preferable measuring
method for concrete-forming materials according to the present
invention;
[0348] FIGS. 34 and 35 are a series of flowcharts of still another
preferable measuring method for concrete-forming materials
according to the present invention;
[0349] FIGS. 36 and 37 are a series of flowcharts of still another
preferable measuring method for concrete-forming materials
according to the present invention;
[0350] FIG. 38 is a flowchart of a preferable measuring method for
concrete-forming materials according to the present invention;
[0351] FIG. 39 is a flowchart of a preferable measuring method for
concrete-forming materials according to a modification of the
invention;
[0352] FIG. 40 is a flowchart of a preferable measuring method for
concrete-forming materials according to another modification of the
invention;
[0353] FIG. 41 is a flowchart of another preferable measuring
method for concrete-forming materials according to the present
invention;
[0354] FIG. 42 is a flowchart of still another preferable measuring
method for concrete-forming materials according to the present
invention;
[0355] FIG. 43 is a flowchart of a preferable measuring method for
concrete-forming materials according to a modification of the
invention;
[0356] FIGS. 44 and 45 are a series of flowcharts of a preferable
measuring method for concrete-forming materials according to the
present invention;
[0357] FIGS. 46 and 47 are a series of flowcharts of a preferable
measuring method for concrete-forming materials according to a
modification of the present invention;
[0358] FIG. 48 is a flowchart of a preferable measuring method for
concrete-forming materials according to the present invention;
[0359] FIG. 49 is a flowchart of a preferable measuring method for
concrete-forming materials according to a modification of the
invention;
[0360] FIGS. 50 and 51 are a series of flowcharts of a preferable
measuring method for concrete-forming materials according to the
present invention;
[0361] FIGS. 52 and 53 are a series of flowcharts of another
preferable measuring method for concrete-forming materials
according to the present invention;
[0362] FIGS. 54 and 55 are a series of flowcharts of a processing
procedure of a program for enabling concrete-forming materials to
be measured and calculated according to the present invention;
[0363] FIG. 56 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration
for executing the program mentioned above;
[0364] FIGS. 57 and 58 are a series of flowcharts of a processing
procedure of another program for enabling concrete-forming
materials to be measured and calculated according to the present
invention;
[0365] FIG. 59 is a general view of a discharge mechanism of a
preferable measurement container according to the present
invention, and a measuring apparatus to which it is applied;
[0366] FIG. 60 is a vertical sectional view taken along line I-I of
FIG. 59;
[0367] FIG. 61 is a diagram showing an action of the discharge
mechanism of the preferable measurement container according to the
present invention;
[0368] FIG. 62 is a diagram showing a condition where submergence
aggregate is measured by using measuring apparatus 401;
[0369] FIGS. 63A and 63B are diagrams of a discharge mechanism of
another preferable measurement container according to the present
invention, with FIG. 63A being a side view and FIG. 63B being a
horizontal sectional view taken along line J-J of FIG. 63A;
[0370] FIG. 64 is a general view of a discharge mechanism of still
another preferable measurement container according to the present
invention;
[0371] FIGS. 65A and 65B are diagrams showing an action of the
discharge mechanism of the measurement container shown in FIG.
64;
[0372] FIG. 66 is a general view of a preferable measuring
apparatus of concrete-forming materials according to the present
invention;
[0373] FIGS. 67A-67C are side views of measurement containers;
[0374] FIG. 68 is a cross section taken along line K-K of FIG.
66;
[0375] FIG. 69 is a diagram showing an action of a measuring
apparatus of concrete-forming materials;
[0376] FIG. 70 is a general view of a preferable measuring
apparatus of concrete-forming materials according to the present
invention;
[0377] FIGS. 71A-71C are side views of measurement containers;
[0378] FIG. 72 is a cross section taken along line L-L of FIG.
70;
[0379] FIG. 73 is a diagram showing an action of a measuring
apparatus of concrete-forming materials;
[0380] FIG. 74 is a general view of a preferable measuring
apparatus of concrete-forming materials according to the present
invention;
[0381] FIGS. 75A-75C are side views of measurement containers;
[0382] FIG. 76 is a cross section taken along line M-M of FIG. 74;
and
[0383] FIG. 77 is a diagram showing an action of a measuring
apparatus of concrete-forming materials.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0384] Preferred embodiments of a measuring apparatus and a
measuring method for concrete-forming materials according to the
present invention will now be described in detail hereinafter with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
First Embodiment
[0385] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are shown general side
views of a measuring apparatus for concrete-forming materials
according to a first embodiment, viewed from two sides at right
angles to each other. Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown an
expanded side view of FIG. 2. As shown in these diagrams, a
measuring apparatus 1 of concrete-forming materials according to
this embodiment generally comprises a stock bin 2 for storing fine
aggregate, a fine aggregate feed hopper 3 placed under the stock
bin 2, a vibrating feeder 5 placed under a discharge opening 4 of
the fine aggregate feed hopper 3, a screen device 23 placed in the
vicinity of an exit of the vibrating feeder 5, a measurement tank 6
placed under the screen device 23, an electrode-type displacement
sensor 7 as means for measuring a water level placed above the
measurement tank 6, and load cells 8 as mass measuring means for
measuring a mass of submergence fine aggregate contained in the
measurement tank 6.
[0386] The measurement tank 6 is formed substantially in a shape of
a cylinder having a height H as apparent from FIG. 3 so that it can
contain submergence fine aggregate made of fine aggregate and
water. Furthermore, it is formed in a shape in which a bore becomes
larger in a downward direction, in other words, in a shape of a
hollow truncated cone so that the submergence fine aggregate can be
easily taken out after measurement.
[0387] At a lower end of the measurement tank 6, there is provided
an opening-and-closing mechanism 15 comprising an
opening-and-closing lid 12 attached to an opening at the lower end
of the measurement tank 6 so as to be free to rotate around a pin
11, and a driving motor 13 connected to the opening-and-closing lid
via an accouplement 14. By driving to operate the driving motor,
the opening-and-closing lid 12 can be kept closed during the
measurement and the inside submergence fine aggregate can be
dropped to a mixer 9 by opening the opening-and-closing lid 12 on
completion of the measurement.
[0388] Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown an exploded perspective
view illustrating an arrangement condition of the vibrating feeder
5, the screen device 23, and the measurement tank 6. As apparent
from FIG. 4, load cell 8 is arranged in four places between a load
bearing bracket 17 attached to the measurement tank 6 at a middle
height and an upper surface of a stand 16.
[0389] The vibrating feeder 5 comprises a U-shaped conveyor 21 for
conveying fine aggregate discharged from the discharge opening 4 of
the fine aggregate feed hopper 3, and an electromagnetic vibrator
22 for vibrating the conveyor. By operating the electromagnetic
vibrator 22, fine aggregate can be conveyed in a direction
indicated by an arrow in FIG. 4 without granulation of the fine
aggregate on the conveyor 21.
[0390] The screen device 23 is located near the exit of the
vibrating feeder 5 and in an upper portion of the measurement tank
6. The screen device comprises a rectangular vibrating plate 24
elastically supported by a stand (not shown) via four coil springs
25, a motor 26 for vibrating the vibrating plate, a funnel form
guide chute 28 engaged in a circular opening 27 provided in a
center of the vibrating plate 24, and a screen 29 attached to the
guide chute 28, by which fine particles of aggregate can be thrown
into the measurement tank 6 by vibrating the conveyed fine
aggregate with the vibrating feeder 5 on the screen 29.
[0391] Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown an exploded perspective
view illustrating an arrangement condition of the electrode-type
displacement sensor 7 and the measurement tank 6. As apparent from
FIG. 5, the electrode-type displacement sensor 7 comprises a guide
31 attached to a stand (not shown), an elevator 32 free to move up
and down along the guide 31, a detection electrode 33 provided in a
hanging condition at a lower end of the elevator 32, and a power
supply 34 for energizing the detection electrode 33, so that a
water level of submergence fine aggregate can be measured by
monitoring a change in an energized condition when the lower end of
the detection electrode 33 contacts the water surface of the
submergence fine aggregate in the measurement tank 6. At this
point, one electrode terminal of the power supply 34 is
electrically connected to the detection electrode 33, while the
other electrode terminal may be electrically connected to the
measurement tank 6 made of steel, for example, as shown in FIG.
5.
[0392] To measure the submergence fine aggregate in the measuring
apparatus of concrete-forming materials according to this
embodiment, water is previously thrown into the measurement tank 6,
first.
[0393] Subsequently, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, fine aggregate in
an arbitrary wet condition is first discharged from a discharge
opening 4 of the aggregate feed hopper 3 and it is conveyed while
preventing granulation by using the vibrating feeder 5. The fine
aggregate conveyed by the vibrating feeder 5 is then thrown into
the guide chute 28, so that it is put on the screen 29. The motor
26 is driven in this condition to vibrate the screen 29, by which
only the fine aggregate having a given particle diameter is dropped
from the screen to be thrown into the measurement tank 6 to make
submergence fine aggregate.
[0394] Subsequently, while measuring total mass M.sub.f of the
submergence fine aggregate, which consists of the fine aggregate
and the water, held in the measurement tank 6 in this condition by
using the load cell 8, its total volume V.sub.f is measured by
using the electrode-type displacement sensor 7 as shown in FIG. 7.
Before measuring a water level with the electrode-type displacement
sensor 7, the screen device 23 is detached, if necessary, to
prevent it from affecting the measurement. For example, after
throwing the fine aggregate into the measurement tank 6, the guide
chute 28 to which the screen is attached may be removed from the
circular opening 27 and put into the condition shown in FIG. 5.
[0395] The total mass M.sub.f is obtained just by measuring the
mass of only the measurement tank before the measurement of the
submergence fine aggregate and then subtracting the mass from a
measured value in a condition where the submergence fine aggregate
is held in the measurement tank.
[0396] To measure the total volume V.sub.f, a relationship between
a water level and a capacity is measured before the measurement of
the submergence fine aggregate at 1-mm intervals, for example,
first. This relationship is then stored in a storage device of a
computer, for example, and a capacity corresponding to the measured
water level is read from the storage device.
[0397] At this point, to measure the water level of the submergence
fine aggregate in the measurement tank 6 with the electrode-type
displacement sensor 7, the elevator 32 is moved down along the
guide 31 as shown in FIG. 7 so that a stopping deviation of 1 mm,
for example, is secured while monitoring an energization condition
between the detection electrode 33 and the measurement tank 6.
Thereafter, the moment a tip of the detection electrode 33 touches
a surface 42 of the submergence fine aggregate 41, energization is
confirmed. Therefore, the moving-down operation of the guide 31 is
controlled as to stoppage with the energization condition as a
controlled variable to measure the water level of the submergence
fine aggregate 41.
[0398] Subsequently, mass M.sub.w of water and mass M.sub.a of the
fine aggregate in a saturated surface-dried condition are
calculated by substituting the total mass M.sub.f and the total
volume V.sub.f for the following two formulas.
M.sub.a+M.sub.w=M.sub.f (1)
M.sub.a/.rho..sub.a+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f (2) where
.rho..sub.a is the density of the fine aggregate in a saturated
surface-dried condition and .rho..sub.w is density of water.
[0399] After measuring and calculating the mass M.sub.w of water
and the mass M.sub.a of the fine aggregate in the saturated
surface-dried condition in this manner, they are compared with a
mix proportion shown by a specified mix. Subsequently, an
insufficiency, which should be remedied by filling, is measured and
then the submergence fine aggregate is supplemented with additional
water or aggregate when needed so as to let the fine aggregate and
the water be concrete material.
[0400] At this point, if a supplement of fine aggregate is needed,
surface water of the fine aggregate is not strictly taken into
consideration. The amount of supplement, however, is limited to be
small by measuring an amount of fine aggregate and water whose
ratio matches the ratio of the specified mix or is close to it.
Since the surface water adhering to the supplement fine aggregate
is a slight amount of a grade that can be disregarded compared with
a required amount of water, there is no problem in terms of quality
of concrete.
[0401] When putting fine aggregate and water into the measurement
tank 6, it is preferable to supply them to the measurement tank 6,
performing water binding of the fine aggregate so that a top of the
fine aggregate may be mostly in agreement with the water level.
Thereby, the ratio of the fine aggregate to the water in the
measurement tank 6 becomes close to the specified mix, thereby
reducing an amount of supplement of fine aggregate
dramatically.
[0402] As described above, according to the measuring apparatus 1
for concrete-forming materials of this embodiment, surface water of
fine aggregate is indirectly calculated as a pat of the mass
M.sub.w of water, even if the fine aggregate whose moisture state
is not uniform is used, taking into consideration this variation,
and the mass of fine aggregate is calculated as mass M.sub.a in the
saturated surface-dried condition. More specifically, since the
mass of fine aggregate and water will be calculated on the same
conditions as the specified mix, even if fine aggregate whose
moisture state is not uniform is used, concrete can be made with
the amount of water as in the specified mix without measuring a
percentage of surface moisture of the fine aggregate.
[0403] Furthermore, according to the measuring apparatus 1 of
concrete-forming materials of this embodiment, the vibrating feeder
5 and the screen device 23 are provided, by which fine aggregate
can be conveyed without granulation and this conveyed fine
aggregate can be thrown into the measurement tank 6 as fine
particles. Therefore, it becomes possible to suppress nearly
thoroughly mixing of air bubbles into the submergence fine
aggregate and to disregard an influence of air bubbles
practically.
[0404] While the detection electrode 33 is electrically connected
to one electrode terminal of the power supply 34, which is a
component of the electrode-type displacement sensor 7, and the
steel measurement tank 6 is electrically connected to the other
electrode terminal in this embodiment, a reference electrode longer
than the detection electrode 33 can be arranged almost parallel to
the detection electrode instead.
[0405] In this constitution, when moving down the elevator 32, a
tip of the reference electrode penetrates to the submergence fine
aggregate 41, first. At this point, however, the electrode is not
yet energized. Only after the tip of the detection electrode
contacts the water surface of the submergence fine aggregate 41,
the electrode is energized.
[0406] If a stopping accuracy cannot be secured sufficiently
without decreasing a descending speed of the elevator 32, by which
it takes long time in the measurement, it is also possible to
further provide a speed-control electrode longer than the detection
electrode 33 and shorter than the reference electrode.
[0407] In this constitution, energization between the speed-control
electrode and the reference electrode is monitored. When the
speed-control electrode contacts the water surface of the
submergence fine aggregate 41, energization therebetween is
achieved. Therefore, the descending speed of the elevator 32 can be
controlled therewith.
[0408] According to this constitution, the descending speed of the
elevator 32 can be previously decreased when the detection
electrode 33 approaches the water surface of the submergence fine
aggregate 41 to some extent. Therefore, the elevator 32 can be
stopped with sufficient accuracy.
[0409] Furthermore, air content measurement can be omitted by
preventing air bubbles from being mixed into the submergence fine
aggregate in this embodiment. If the air content is measured
separately, however, the vibrating feeder 5 and the screen device
23 can be omitted.
[0410] In this case, to measure the submergence fine aggregate,
fine aggregate in an arbitrary wet condition is first discharged
from the discharge opening 4 of the fine aggregate feed hopper 3.
It is then put into the measurement tank 6 with water to form a
submergence fine aggregate. The fine aggregate is thoroughly
submerged in the water within the measurement tank as submergence
aggregate.
[0411] Subsequently, the total mass M.sub.f and the total V.sub.f
of the submergence fine aggregate, in other words, the fine
aggregate and the water held in the measurement tank 6 in this
condition are measured with the load cell 8 and the electrode-type
displacement sensor 7, respectively, in the same manner as
described above.
[0412] Then, the mass M.sub.w of water and the mass M.sub.a of the
fine aggregate in a saturated surface-dried condition are
calculated by substituting the total mass M.sub.f and the total
volume V.sub.f for the following two formulas.
M.sub.a+M.sub.w=M.sub.f (1)
M.sub.a/.rho..sub.a+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f(1- 1/100) (2-a)
where .rho..sub.a is the density of the fine aggregate in the
saturated surface-dried condition, .rho..sub.w is the density of
water, and "a" is an air content (%) included in the total volume
V.sub.f.
[0413] After measuring and calculating the mass M.sub.w of water
and the mass M.sub.a of the fine aggregate in the saturated
surface-dried condition in this manner, they are compared with a
mix proportion shown by a specified mix. Subsequently, an
insufficiency, which should be remedied by filling, is measured and
then the submergence fine aggregate is supplemented with additional
water or aggregate when needed so as to allow the fine aggregate
and the water to form concrete material.
Second Embodiment
[0414] Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown a general view
illustrating a measuring apparatus for concrete-forming materials
according to a second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, measuring
apparatus 101 for concrete-forming materials according to this
embodiment comprises a water storage hopper 102 for storing water,
a fine aggregate storage hopper 103 for storing fine aggregate used
as aggregate, a measurement tank 104 for containing water and fine
aggregate supplied from the water storage hopper 102 and the fine
aggregate storage hopper 103 as submergence aggregate, and load
cells 108 as submergence aggregate mass measuring means for
measuring a mass of the submergence aggregate in the measurement
tank 104. The water storage hopper 102 forms means for supplying
water in conjunction with a water feed pipe 105 connected to the
water storage hopper 102 at a bottom thereof, whose discharge
opening is located above the measurement tank 104, and a closing
valve 106 arranged in a predetermined position of the water feed
pipe 105. The fine aggregate storage hopper 103 forms aggregate
supply means in conjunction with a fine aggregate feed pipe 107
whose discharge opening is located above the measurement tank
104.
[0415] In this arrangement, the water storage hopper 102, the fine
aggregate storage hopper 103, and the load cells 108 are mounted on
a stand, which is not shown, and a collar circular ring 116 of the
measurement tank 104 is put on the load cells to hold the
measurement tank 104 in a suspended condition. Thereby, the mass of
the measurement tank can be measured with the load cells 108. The
load cells 108 are preferably placed, for example, in three places
at 120.degree. intervals on the same horizontal surface so that the
measurement tank 104 can be held stably in a suspended condition
during measurement.
[0416] Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown a longitudinal sectional
view of the measurement tank 104. As apparent from FIGS. 8 and 9,
it is possible to attach a bottom lid 109 capable of maintaining
watertightness inside the measurement tank at a bottom opening 115
of the measurement tank 104 in such a way that the bottom lid 109
is free to open or close. In other words, the bottom lid 109 is
made of a circular plate having an outside diameter substantially
equivalent to or slightly larger than an outside diameter of the
bottom opening of the measurement tank 104. Furthermore, a long
hole 114 is formed at a tip of an L-shaped mounting arm 113
provided as an extension from a rim of the circular plate, and a
pin 110 fixed to a stand not shown is passed through the long hole
114, by which it becomes possible to rotate the bottom lid 109
around the pin 110 so as to open or close the bottom opening 115 of
the measurement tank 104. Furthermore, in a condition where the
bottom lid 109 is closed, the long hole 114 is oriented vertically,
thereby preventing a reaction force from being generated at the pin
110 by a load of the measurement tank 104. In fixing the bottom lid
109 to the bottom opening 115 of the measurement tank 104, an
appropriate method can be selected out of known methods such as
fastening with a bolt or a clamp.
[0417] The measurement tank 104 is formed in a shape of a hollow
truncated cone so that a bore of the measurement tank 104 gets
larger in a downward direction. Therefore, when the measurement is
finished, a free fall of the submergence aggregate in measurement
tank 104 can be achieved only by opening the bottom lid 109 without
a blockage of submergence aggregate in the measurement tank even if
no vibrating instrument such as a vibrator is used. Thereafter, the
submergence aggregate can be thrown into a kneading mixer, which is
not shown, together with cement and coarse aggregate measured
separately.
[0418] As apparent from the sectional view in FIG. 9, a rectangular
opening for overflow 111 is formed in a wall 112 of the measurement
tank 104 at a predetermined height of the measurement tank 104 so
that water of the submergence aggregate in the measurement tank 104
overflows outside. In addition, a grooved guide 117 is provided in
a horizontally protruding condition along a lower edge of the
opening for overflow 111. Overflow water flows on the guide and
runs down from a tip thereof, thereby enabling water to overflow
smoothly from the opening for overflow 111 without a flow on a
circumferential surface of the measurement tank 104.
[0419] A volume of the measurement tank 104 is arbitrary. The
volume of the measurement tank may be made in agreement with a
total amount required for a unit of concrete mixing, i.e., one
batch. Otherwise, the amount required can be divided into some
amounts in the measurement tank.
[0420] A flowchart in FIG. 10 shows a measurement procedure for
measuring water and fine aggregate by using the measuring apparatus
101 for concrete-forming materials according to this embodiment. As
shown in FIG. 10, the bottom opening 115 of the measurement tank
104 is closed by the bottom lid 109 to put the inside of the
measurement tank in the watertightness condition, first. The
closing valve 106 is opened in the above condition. Water is then
thrown from the water storage hopper 102 to the measurement tank
104, and the fine aggregate stored in the fine aggregate storage
hopper 103 is thrown into the measurement tank 104 so that it is
put in a submergence condition to fill the measurement tank 104
with submergence aggregate 121 as shown in FIG. 11 (step 1101).
[0421] When throwing the aggregate and the water into the
measurement tank 104, preferably the water is thrown earlier and
the fine aggregate is thrown later to prevent the submergence
aggregate from being mixed with air bubbles. In addition, if the
fine aggregate is not directly thrown from the fine aggregate
storage hopper 103 to the measurement tank 104, but the fine
aggregate is conveyed from a portion beneath the fine aggregate
storage hopper 103 to an upper opening of the measurement tank 104
by using a vibrating feeder having an electromagnetic vibrator, for
example, it becomes possible to prevent granulation of the fine
aggregate, and thus prevent air bubble mixing.
[0422] When throwing water and the fine aggregate into the
measurement tank 104 to fill it with the submergence aggregate 121,
care should be taken so that the fine aggregate is submerged in
water and the water overflows the opening for overflow 111.
[0423] With this, a water level at which the water 122 overflows
the opening for overflow 111 is predetermined. Therefore, if the
measurement tank 104 is filled with the submergence aggregate 121
as mentioned above, the total volume V.sub.f of the submergence
aggregate 121 equal to a known value is obtained without
measurement.
[0424] Subsequently, the total mass M.sub.f of the submergence
aggregate 121 is measured with the load cells 108 (step 1102). The
total mass M.sub.f of the submergence aggregate 121 can be obtained
by subtracting a mass of an empty measurement tank 104, containing
no submergence aggregate 121, from a value measured by the load
cells 108.
[0425] Subsequently, mass M.sub.a of the fine aggregate in a
saturated surface-dried condition and mass M.sub.w of the water are
calculated by solving the following two formulas from the measured
total mass M.sub.f of the submergence aggregate 121 (step 1103).
M.sub.a+M.sub.w=M.sub.f (1)
M.sub.a/.rho..sub.a+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f (2) where
.rho..sub.a is the density of the fine aggregate in the saturated
surface-dried condition and .rho..sub.w is the density of the
water.
[0426] After measuring and calculating the mass M.sub.w of the
water and the mass M.sub.a of the fine aggregate in the saturated
surface-dried condition as mentioned above, these values are
compared with mix proportions shown by a specified mix,
respectively. Thereafter, an insufficiency is measured and then the
submergence aggregate 121 is supplemented with additional water or
aggregate when needed so as to let the aggregate and the water
become concrete materials (step 1104). If there is too much water,
excess water is sucked with a vacuum or the like.
[0427] As set forth hereinabove, according to the measuring
apparatus and the measuring method for concrete-forming materials
of this embodiment, the surface water of the fine aggregate is
indirectly calculated as a part of the mass M.sub.w of the water,
even if a fine aggregate whose moisture state is not uniform is
used, and the mass of fine aggregate is calculated as the mass
M.sub.a of the fine aggregate in the saturated surface-dried
condition. In other words, since the mass of the fine aggregate and
the mass of the water are calculated on conditions equivalent to
the specified mix, even if a humidity grade of the fine aggregate
is not fixed at every measurement, it becomes possible to make
concrete with water of the amount as shown by the specified
mix.
[0428] While the load cells 108 of compression type are used, and
they are placed in three places in this embodiment, it is arbitrary
as to what type of load cells are used as means for measuring a
mass of submergence aggregate. For example, load cells of a tension
type can be used or they can be placed in four or more places. If
the measurement tank 104 can be held stably in a suspended
condition, only one or two load cells can be used.
[0429] A correaction of air content has not been described
particularly in this embodiment. If air content a (%) of the
submergence aggregate is considered, however, the already-known
total volume V.sub.f should be multiplied by (1-a/100). For
example, the following formula may be used instead of formula (2).
M.sub.a/.rho..sub.a+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f(1-a/100) (2-a)
[0430] This enables more accurate measurement since actual total
volume is used for the measurement with the air content excluded.
In other cases, the air content can be corrected similarly, if
necessary.
[0431] Furthermore, the rectangular opening for overflow 111 is
formed in the wall 112 of the measurement tank 104 at the
predetermined height of the measurement tank 104, and the guide 117
is provided in a horizontally protruding condition along the lower
edge of the opening for overflow 111 in this embodiment. As shown
in FIGS. 12 and 13, however, three openings for overflow 131 can be
provided at different heights in the wall 112 of the measurement
tank 104 instead of the opening for overflow 111, and the guide 117
can be provided in a horizontally protruding condition along a
lowest edge of the opening for overflow 131.
[0432] In this constitution, only the opening for overflow 131
corresponding to a required total volume Vf is opened, and all
other openings for overflow 131 are sealed by using seal plugs 132
and 133 as shown in FIG. 13.
[0433] According to the constitution, it becomes unnecessary to
prepare a measurement tank for each total volume V.sub.f.
[0434] In the measuring apparatus for concrete-forming materials
shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a measurement tank 104a having three
openings for overflow 131 is used instead of the measurement tank
104 having the opening for overflow 111. The measurement tank 104a
is the same as the measurement tank 104 in components except for
the difference in the openings for overflow, and it is the same as
the above embodiment in its entire constitution. Therefore,
description of these points will be omitted here.
[0435] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rectangular opening for
overflow 111 is formed in the wall 112 of the measurement tank 104
at the predetermined height of the measurement tank 104 and the
guide 117 is provided in the horizontally protruding condition
along the lower edge of the opening for overflow. As shown in FIGS.
14 and 15, an opening for overflow 134 having an increased height
thereof can be formed in the wall 112 instead of the opening for
overflow 111, with the opening for overflow 134 covered with a
bracket cover 135 free to move up and down. Furthermore, an
overflow height can be variable according to a position where the
bracket cover 135 moves up and down.
[0436] The bracket cover 135 comprises a guide, which is similar to
the guide 117, provided in a horizontally protruding condition from
an upper edge of a curved cover plate moving up and down along a
circumferential surface of measurement tank 104b. The bracket cover
135 is fixed to the wall of the measurement tank 104b with a screw
136, by which it can be positioned at a desired height. A rubber
gasket or the like may be used appropriately so that predetermined
watertightness is secured between a curved cover plate and the wall
of the measurement tank 104b.
[0437] In this constitution, the bracket cover 135 is moved up and
down so that the guide of the bracket cover 135 is located at the
desired height and then it is fixed with the screw 136. With this,
the curved cover plate of the bracket cover 135 closes a part of
the opening for overflow 134 lower than the guide, by which it
becomes possible to variably adjust a water level at which water of
submergence aggregate in the measurement tank 104b overflows.
Therefore, there is no need to prepare a measurement tank for each
total volume V.sub.f.
[0438] In the measuring apparatus of concrete materials shown in
FIGS. 14 and 15, a measurement tank 104b having the opening for
overflow 134 and the bracket cover 135 for variably adjusting the
overflow height of the opening for overflow 134 is used instead of
the measurement tank 104 having the opening for overflow 111. The
measurement tank 104b is the same as the measurement tank 104 in
components except for the difference in the opening for overflow
and its related member, and it is the same as the above embodiment
in its entire constitution. Therefore, description of these points
will be omitted here.
[0439] The following should be noted though it has not been
particularly noted in this embodiment. If there is a possibility
that the aggregate thrown into the measurement tank 104 will emerge
from the water and will not be submergence aggregate, a vibrator is
used to level a top of the aggregate.
[0440] Referring to FIG. 16, there is shown a modification as
mentioned above. In FIG. 16, a rod vibrator 137 is installed above
the measurement tank 104 so that the rod vibrator is free to move
up and down and so that it may be buried in the submergence
aggregate 121 in a downward location (indicated by a
dash-single-dot line in FIG. 16).
[0441] In this constitution, during or after throwing fine
aggregate, the vibrator 137 is lowered and operated in the shown
condition.
[0442] With this, the fine aggregate thrown into the measurement
tank 104 is leveled by vibration of the vibrator 137, by which the
fine aggregate will be submerged in the water. Before measuring a
mass of the submergence aggregate 121, the vibrator 137 is raised
and put in a standby state, until a next measurement, in an upward
location.
Third Embodiment
[0443] Referring to FIG. 17, there is shown a general view
illustrating a measuring apparatus of concrete materials according
to a third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, measuring apparatus 141
of concrete-forming materials according to this embodiment
comprises a water storage hopper 102 for storing water, a fine
aggregate storage hopper 103a for storing fine aggregate used as
aggregate, a measurement tank 104 for containing water and fine
aggregate supplied from the water storage hopper 102 and the fine
aggregate storage hopper 103a as submergence aggregate, and load
cells 108 as submergence aggregate mass measuring means for
measuring a mass of the submergence aggregate in the measurement
tank 104. The water storage hopper 102 forms means for supplying
water in conjunction with a water feed pipe 105 connected to the
water storage hopper 102 at a bottom thereof and whose discharge
opening is located above the measurement tank 104, and a closing
valve 106 arranged in a predetermined position of the water feed
pipe 105. The fine aggregate storage hopper 103a forms means for
feeding aggregate in conjunction with a fine aggregate feed pipe
107 whose discharge opening is located above the measurement tank
104.
[0444] In this arrangement, the water storage hopper 102 and the
load cells 108 are attached to a stand, which is not shown, and a
collar circular ring 116 of the measurement tank 104 is put on the
load cells 108 to hold the measurement tank 104 in a suspended
condition. Thereby, the mass of the measurement tank 104 can be
measured with the load cells 108. The load cells 108 are preferably
placed, for example, in three places at 120.degree. intervals on
the same horizontal surface so that the measurement tank 104 can be
held stably in a suspended condition during measurement.
[0445] Furthermore, in this embodiment, load cells 108a as means
for measuring a mass of aggregate are attached to a stand (not
shown), and a collar circular ring 142 of the fine aggregate
storage hopper 103a is put on the load cells 108a to hold the fine
aggregate storage hopper 103a in a suspended condition, by which a
mass of the fine aggregate storage hopper 103a can be measured by
the load cells 108a. The load cells 108a are preferably placed in
three places at 120.degree. intervals on the same horizontal
surface in the same manner as for the load cells 108 so that the
fine aggregate storage hopper 103a can be held stably in a
suspended condition during measurement.
[0446] The arrangements of the measurement tank 104, bottom lid
109, and other components are the same as those of the second
embodiment. Therefore, their description will be omitted here.
[0447] A flowchart in FIG. 18 shows a measurement procedure for
measuring water and fine aggregate by using the measuring apparatus
141 for concrete-forming materials according to this embodiment. As
shown in FIG. 18, mass M.sub.aw of fine aggregate in a wet
condition stored in the fine aggregate storage hopper 103a is
measured by the load cells 108a, first (step 1131).
[0448] On the other hand, the inside of the measurement tank 104 is
put into a watertightness condition in the same manner as in the
second embodiment. The closing valve 106 is opened in the above
condition. Water is then thrown from the water storage hopper 102
to the measurement tank 104, and the measured fine aggregate stored
in the fine aggregate storage hopper 103a is thrown into the
measurement tank 104 so that it is submerged in water and so that
water overflows an opening for overflow 111 to fill the measurement
tank 104 with submergence aggregate (step 1101).
[0449] Hereinafter, in the same manner as in the second embodiment,
total mass M.sub.f of the submergence aggregate is measured with
the load cells 108 (step 1102). Thereafter, mass M.sub.a of the
fine aggregate in the saturated surface-dried condition and mass
M.sub.w of the water are calculated by solving the formulas (1) and
(2) from the measured total mass M.sub.f of the submergence
aggregate 121 (step 1103).
[0450] Subsequently, a percentage of surface moisture of the fine
aggregate is calculated by substituting the calculated mass M.sub.a
of the fine aggregate in the saturated surface-dried condition, and
the previously measured mass M.sub.aw of the fine aggregate in the
wet condition into the following formula (step 1132).
(M.sub.aw-M.sub.a)/M.sub.a (3)
[0451] Subsequently, the calculated mass M.sub.w of the water and
the mass M.sub.a of the fine aggregate in the saturated
surface-dried condition are compared with mix proportions shown by
a specified mix, respectively, and an insufficiency is measured.
Thereafter, the submergence aggregate is supplemented with
additional water if water is needed or with additional fine
aggregate if fine aggregate is needed as a result of referencing
the percentage of surface moisture obtained in step 1132 while
taking into consideration the percentage of surface moisture. Then,
the aggregate and the water become concrete materials (step 1133).
If there is too much water, excess water is sucked with a vacuum or
the like.
[0452] As set forth hereinabove, according to the measuring
apparatus and the measuring method for concrete-forming materials
of this embodiment, surface water of the fine aggregate can be
indirectly calculated as a part of the mass M.sub.w of the water,
even if a fine aggregate whose moisture state is not uniform is
used, and the mass of fine aggregate can be calculated as the mass
M.sub.a of the fine aggregate in the saturated surface-dried
condition in the same manner as in the second embodiment. In other
words, since the mass of the fine aggregate and the mass of the
water are calculated on conditions equivalent to the specified mix,
even if a humidity grade of the fine aggregate is not fixed at
every measurement, it becomes possible to make concrete with water
of the amount as shown by the specified mix.
[0453] Furthermore, according to the measuring apparatus and the
measuring method for concrete-forming materials of this embodiment,
the percentage of surface moisture can be measured in parallel in
addition to the action and effect mentioned above.
[0454] While load cells 108 of compression type are used and they
are placed in three places in this embodiment, it is arbitrary as
to what type of load cells are used as means for measuring a mass
of submergence aggregate. For example, load cells of a tension type
can be used or they can be placed in four or more places. If the
measurement tank 104 can be held stably in a suspended condition,
only one or two load cells can be used.
[0455] A correaction of air content has not been described
particularly in this embodiment. If the air content a (%) of the
submergence aggregate is considered, however, the already-known
total volume V.sub.f should be multiplied by (1-a/100). For
example, the following formula may be used instead of formula (2).
M.sub.a/.rho..sub.a+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f(1-a/100) (2-a)
[0456] This enables more accurate measurement since actual total
volume is used for the measurement with the air content
excluded.
[0457] While the modifications of the second embodiment described
by referring to FIGS. 12 to 16 are directly applicable to the third
embodiment, their constitution and their action and effect are the
same as those of the second embodiment. Therefore, their
description will be omitted here.
Fourth Embodiment
[0458] Referring to FIG. 19, there is shown a general view
illustrating a measuring apparatus for concrete-forming materials
according to a fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, measuring
apparatus 151 for concrete-forming materials according to this
embodiment comprises a water storage hopper 102 for storing water,
a fine aggregate storage hopper 103 for storing fine aggregate used
as aggregate, a measurement tank 104 for containing water and fine
aggregate supplied from the water storage hopper 102 and the fine
aggregate storage hopper 103 as submergence aggregate, and load
cells 108 as submergence aggregate mass measuring means for
measuring a mass of the submergence aggregate in the measurement
tank 104. The water storage hopper 102 forms means for supplying
water in conjunction with a water feed pipe 105 connected to the
water storage hopper 102 at a bottom thereof and whose discharge
opening is located above the measurement tank 104, a closing valve
106 arranged in a predetermined position of the water feed pipe
105, and a flowmeter 152 as means for measuring feed water. The
fine aggregate storage hopper 103 forms means for feeding aggregate
in conjunction with a fine aggregate feed pipe 107 whose discharge
opening is located above the measurement tank 104.
[0459] In this arrangement, the water storage hopper 102, the fine
aggregate storage hopper 103, and the load cells 108 are attached
to a stand, which is not shown, and a collar circular ring 116 of
the measurement tank 104 is put on the load cells 108 to hold the
measurement tank 104 in a suspended condition. Thereby, the mass of
the measurement tank 104 can be measured with the load cells 108.
The load cells 108 are preferably placed, for example, in three
places at 120.degree. intervals on the same horizontal surface so
that the measurement tank 104 can be held stably in a suspended
condition during measurement.
[0460] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as apparent from the
sectional view in FIG. 20, the measuring apparatus comprises a
storage container 153 for storing water overflowing an opening for
overflow 111 and running down from a tip of a guide 117, and a
massmeter 154 as means for measuring a mass of overflow water
together with the storage container 153. This measuring apparatus
is capable of measuring the mass of water thrown into the
measurement tank 104 by means of the above flowmeter 152, and the
mass of overflow water from the measurement tank 104 by means of
the massmeter 154.
[0461] The arrangement of the measurement tank 104, bottom lid 109,
and other components are the same as those of the second
embodiment. Therefore, their description will be omitted here.
[0462] A flowchart in FIG. 21 shows a measurement procedure for
measuring water and fine aggregate by using measuring apparatus 151
for concrete-forming materials according to this embodiment. As
shown in FIG. 21, the inside of the measurement tank 104 is put
into a watertightness condition in the same manner as in the second
embodiment. The closing valve 106 is opened in the above condition.
Water is then thrown from the water storage hopper 102 to the
measurement tank 104 and the fine aggregate stored in the fine
aggregate storage hopper 103 is thrown into the measurement tank
104 so that it is submerged in water and so that water overflows
the opening for overflow 111 to fill the measurement tank 104 with
submergence aggregate. In parallel to the above processing, the
measuring apparatus measures the amount of water M.sub.I supplied
to the measurement tank 104 by means of the flowmeter 152, and
measures the amount of water M.sub.O discharged overflowing the
measurement tank 104 by means of the massmeter 154 as shown in FIG.
22 (step 1161).
[0463] Hereinafter, in the same manner as in the second embodiment,
total mass M.sub.f of the submergence aggregate is measured with
the load cells 108 (step 1102). Thereafter, mass M.sub.a of the
fine aggregate in a saturated surface-dried condition and mass
M.sub.w of the water are calculated by solving the formulas (1) and
(2) from the measured total mass M.sub.f of the submergence
aggregate 121 (step 1103).
[0464] Subsequently, M.sub.aw is calculated from the following
formula by using the calculated mass M.sub.a of the fine aggregate
in the saturated surface-dried condition, the amount of water
M.sub.I supplied to the measurement tank 104 and the amount of
discharged water M.sub.O overflowing the measurement tank 104
previously measured: M.sub.aw=M.sub.f-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (4) A
percentage of surface moisture of the fine aggregate is then
calculated by substituting the calculated mass M.sub.aw into the
following formula (step 1162). (M.sub.aw-M.sub.a)/M.sub.a (3)
[0465] Furthermore, the calculated mass M.sub.w of the water and
the mass M.sub.a of the fine aggregate in the saturated
surface-dried condition are compared with mix proportions shown by
a specified mix, respectively, and an insufficiency is measured.
Thereafter, the submergence aggregate is supplemented with
additional water if water is needed, or with additional fine
aggregate if fine aggregate is needed, as a result of referencing
the percentage of surface moisture obtained in step 1162 while
taking into consideration the percentage of surface moisture. Then,
the aggregate and the water are allowed to become concrete
materials (step 1163). If there is too much water, excess water is
sucked with a vacuum or the like.
[0466] As set forth hereinabove, according to the measuring
apparatus and the measuring method of concrete materials of this
embodiment, surface water of the fine aggregate can be indirectly
calculated as a part of the mass M.sub.w of the water, even if a
fine aggregate whose moisture state is not uniform is used, and the
mass of fine aggregate can be calculated as the mass M.sub.a of the
fine aggregate in the saturated surface-dried condition in the same
manner as in the second embodiment. In other words, since the mass
of the fine aggregate and the mass of the water are calculated on
conditions equivalent to the specified mix, even if a humidity
grade of the fine aggregate is not fixed at every measurement, it
becomes possible to make concrete with water of the amount as shown
by the specified mix.
[0467] Furthermore, according to the measuring apparatus and the
measuring method for concrete-forming materials of this embodiment,
the percentage of surface moisture can be measured in parallel in
addition to the action and effect mentioned above.
[0468] While load cells 108 of a compression type are used and
placed in three places in this embodiment, it is arbitrary as to
what type of load cells are used as means for measuring a mass of
submergence aggregate. For example, load cells of a tension type
can be used or they can be placed in four or more places. If the
measurement tank 104 can be held stably in a suspended condition,
only one or two load cells can be used.
[0469] A correaction of air content has not been described
particularly in this embodiment. If air content a (%) of the
submergence aggregate is considered, however, the known total
volume V.sub.f should be multiplied by (1-a/100). For example, the
following formula may be used instead of formula (2).
M.sub.a/.rho..sub.a+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f(1-a/100) (2-a)
[0470] This enables more accurate measurement since actual total
volume is used for the measurement with the air content
excluded.
[0471] While the modifications of the second embodiment described
by referring to FIGS. 12 to 16 are directly applicable to the
fourth embodiment, their constitution and their action and effect
are the same as those of the second embodiment. Therefore, their
description will be omitted here.
Fifth Embodiment
[0472] Referring to FIG. 23, there is shown a general view
illustrating a measuring apparatus for concrete-forming materials
according to a fifth embodiment. A shown in FIG. 23, measuring
apparatus 201 for concrete-forming materials of this embodiment
comprises a water storage hopper 102 for storing water, a fine
aggregate measurement container 203 as an aggregate measurement
container storing fine aggregate as aggregate to be measured, a
submergence aggregate container 204 for containing water and fine
aggregate supplied from the water storage hopper 102 and the fine
aggregate measurement container 203, respectively, as submergence
aggregate, and load cells 108a as submergence aggregate mass
measuring means for measuring a mass of the fine aggregate in the
fine aggregate measurement container 203. The water storage hopper
102 forms means for supplying water in conjunction with a water
feed pipe 105 connected to the water storage hopper 102 at a bottom
thereof and whose discharge opening is located above the
submergence aggregate container 204, a closing valve 106 arranged
in a predetermined position of the water feed pipe 105, and a
flowmeter 152 as means for measuring feed water.
[0473] Fine aggregate is supplied as needed from a stock bin not
shown to the fine aggregate measurement container 203, and this
container is connected to a fine aggregate feed pipe 107 whose
discharge opening is located above the submergence aggregate
container 204.
[0474] In this arrangement, the water storage hopper 102, the
submergence aggregate container 204, and the load cells 108a are
attached to a stand, which is not shown, and a collar circular ring
142 attached to a top opening edge of the fine aggregate
measurement container 203 is mounted on the load cells 108a to hold
the fine aggregate measurement container 203 in a suspended
condition. Thereby, the mass of the fine aggregate stored in the
fine aggregate measurement container 203 can be measured with the
load cells 108a. The load cells 108a are preferably placed, for
example, in three places at 120.degree. intervals on the same
horizontal surface so that the fine aggregate measurement container
203 can be held stably in the suspended condition during
measurement.
[0475] Referring to FIG. 24, there is shown a longitudinal
sectional view of the submergence aggregate container 204. As
apparent from FIGS. 23 and 24, it is possible to attach a bottom
lid 109 capable of maintaining watertightness inside the
submergence aggregate container 204 at a bottom opening 115 of the
submergence aggregate container 204 in such a way that the bottom
lid 109 is free to open or close. In other words, the bottom lid
109 is made of a circular plate having an outside diameter
substantially equivalent to or slightly larger than an outside
diameter of the bottom opening of the submergence aggregate
container 204. Furthermore, a long hole 114 is formed at a tip of
an L-shaped mounting arm 113 provided as an extension from a rim of
the circular plate, and a pin 110 fixed to a stand not shown is
passed through the long hole 114, by which it becomes possible to
rotate the bottom lid 109 around the pin 110 so as to open or close
the bottom opening 115 of the submergence aggregate container 204.
In fixing the bottom lid 109 to the bottom opening 115 of the
submergence aggregate container 204, an appropriate method can be
selected out of known methods such as fastening with a bolt or a
clamp.
[0476] The submergence aggregate container 204 is formed in a shape
of a hollow truncated cone so that a bore of the submergence
aggregate container 204 gets larger in a downward direction.
Therefore, when a measurement is finished, a free fall of the
submergence aggregate in the submergence aggregate container 204
can be achieved only by opening the bottom lid 109 without a
blockage of submergence aggregate in the submergence aggregate
container 204 even if no vibrating instrument such as a vibrator is
used. Thereafter, the submergence aggregate can be thrown into a
kneading mixer, which is not shown, together with cement and coarse
aggregate measured separately.
[0477] As apparent from the sectional view in FIG. 24, a
rectangular opening for overflow 111 is formed in a wall 112 of the
submergence aggregate container 204 at a predetermined height of
the submergence aggregate container 204 so that water of the
submergence aggregate in the submergence aggregate container 204
overflows outside. In addition, a grooved guide 117 is provided in
a horizontally protruding condition along a lower edge of the
opening for overflow 111. Overflow water flows on the guide and
falls from a tip thereof, thereby enabling water to overflow
smoothly from the opening for overflow 111 without a flow on a
circumferential surface of the submergence aggregate container
204.
[0478] A volume of the submergence aggregate container 204 is
arbitrary. The volume of the submergence aggregate container 204
may be made in agreement with a total amount required for a unit of
concrete mixing, i.e., one batch. Otherwise, the amount required
can be divided into some amounts in the submergence aggregate
container 204.
[0479] On the other hand, as apparent from a sectional view in FIG.
24, the measuring apparatus 201 for concrete-forming materials
according to this embodiment comprises a storage container 153 for
storing water overflowing the opening for overflow 111 and running
down from the tip of the guide 117, and a massmeter 154 as means
for measuring a mass of overflow water. This measuring apparatus is
capable of measuring the mass of water thrown into the submergence
aggregate container 204 by means of the above flowmeter 152, and
the mass of overflow water from the submergence aggregate container
204 by means of the massmeter 154.
[0480] A flowchart in FIG. 25 shows a measurement procedure for
measuring water and fine aggregate by using the measuring apparatus
201 for concrete-forming materials according to this embodiment. As
shown in FIG. 25, mass M.sub.aw of fine aggregate in a wet
condition stored in the fine aggregate measurement container 203 is
measured by the load cells 108a, first (step 1201).
[0481] The mass M.sub.aw of the fine aggregate in the fine
aggregate measurement container 203 can be obtained by subtracting
a mass of an empty fine aggregate measurement container 203
containing no fine aggregate from the value measured by the load
cells 108a. In this connection, fine aggregate is generally in a
wet condition.
[0482] Subsequently, the bottom opening 115 of the submergence
aggregate container 204 is closed by the bottom lid 109 to put the
inside of the submergence aggregate container 203 in a
watertightness condition. The closing valve 106 is opened in the
above condition. Water is then thrown from the water storage hopper
102 to the submergence aggregate container 204 (step 1202).
[0483] As shown in FIG. 26, the fine aggregate stored in the fine
aggregate measurement container 203 is thrown into the submergence
aggregate container 204 so that it is submerged in water and so
that the water overflows the opening for overflow 111 to fill the
submergence aggregate container with submergence aggregate 121. In
parallel to the above processing, the measuring apparatus measures
the amount of water M.sub.I supplied from the water storage hopper
102 as an accumulation value by means of the flowmeter 152, while
storing water overflowing the opening for overflow 111 in the
storage container 153 once, and then measuring mass M.sub.O of the
overflow water as an accumulation value by means of the massmeter
154 (step 1203).
[0484] In this manner, if the submergence aggregate 121 is allowed
to overflow the opening for overflow 111, a water level at which
the water 122 overflows the opening for overflow 111 is
predetermined. Therefore, if the submergence aggregate container is
filled with the submergence aggregate 121 as mentioned above, the
total volume V.sub.f of the submergence aggregate 121 equal to a
known value is obtained without measurement.
[0485] If the fine aggregate is not directly thrown from the fine
aggregate measurement container 203 to the submergence aggregate
container 204, but the fine aggregate is conveyed from a portion
beneath the fine aggregate measurement container 203 to an upper
opening of the submergence aggregate container 204 by using a
vibrating feeder having an electromagnetic vibrator, for example,
it becomes possible to prevent granulation of the fine aggregate,
and thus prevent air bubble mixing.
[0486] Subsequently, mass M.sub.a of the fine aggregate in the
saturated surface-dried condition and mass M.sub.w of the water in
the submergence aggregate 121 are calculated by solving the
following two formulas. M.sub.a+M.sub.w=M.sub.aw+(M.sub.I-M.sub.O)
(5) M.sub.a/.rho..sub.a+M.sub.w/.rho.w=V.sub.f (2) where
.rho..sub.a is the density of the fine aggregate in the saturated
surface-dried condition and .rho..sub.w is the density of the
water. In addition, a percentage of surface moisture of the fine
aggregate is calculated by the following formula (step 1204).
(M.sub.aw-M.sub.a)/M.sub.a (3)
[0487] After measuring and calculating the mass M.sub.w of the
water and the mass M.sub.a of the fine aggregate in the saturated
surface-dried condition as mentioned above, these values are
compared with mix proportions shown by the specified mix,
respectively. Thereafter, an insufficiency is measured and then the
submergence aggregate is supplemented with additional aggregate if
aggregate is needed, or with additional water if water is needed,
so as to let the aggregate and the water become concrete materials,
taking into consideration surface water by using the calculated
percentage of surface moisture (step 1205). If there is too much
water, excess water is sucked with a vacuum or the like.
[0488] As set forth hereinabove, according to the measuring
apparatus and the measuring method for concrete-forming materials
of this embodiment, surface water of the fine aggregate is
indirectly calculated as a part of the mass M.sub.w of the water,
even if a fine aggregate whose moisture state is not uniform is
used, and the mass of fine aggregate is calculated as the mass
M.sub.a of the fine aggregate in the saturated surface-dried
condition. In other words, since the mass of the fine aggregate and
the mass of the water are calculated on conditions equivalent to
the specified mix, even if a humidity grade of the fine aggregate
is not fixed at every measurement, it becomes possible to make
concrete with water of the amount as shown by the specified
mix.
[0489] While load cells 108a of a compression type are used and
placed in three places in this embodiment, it is arbitrary as to
what type of load cells are used as means for measuring a mass of
submergence aggregate. For example, load cells of a tension type
can be used or they can be placed in four or more places. If the
submergence aggregate container 204 can be held stably in a
suspended condition, only one or two load cells can be used.
[0490] A correaction of air content has not been described
particularly in this embodiment. If the air content a (%) of the
submergence aggregate is considered, however, the already-known
total volume V.sub.f should be multiplied by (1-a/100). For
example, the following formula may be used instead of formula (2).
M.sub.a/.rho..sub.a+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f(1-a/100) (2-a)
[0491] This enables more accurate measurement since actual total
volume is used for the measurement with the air content excluded.
In other cases, the air content can be corrected similarly, if
necessary.
[0492] The amount of supplied water M.sub.I thrown into the
submergence aggregate container 204 is measured as an accumulation
value by using the flowmeter 152 in this embodiment. If the water
is thrown into the submergence aggregate container previously so
that it overflows instead, however, a water level at which the
water overflows the opening for overflow is predetermined as
mentioned above, and therefore, the amount of supplied water
M.sub.I becomes equal to a known value even if it is not measured.
Accordingly, this constitution does not need means for supplying
water comprising the flowmeter 152 as means for measuring feed
water, the water storage hopper 102, the water feed pipe 105, and
the closing valve 106.
[0493] Since the water level does not fall even if water may
overflow due to subsequent aggregate throwing in this case, the
accumulation value of the amount of supplied water M.sub.I becomes
fixed during measurement.
[0494] Furthermore, a rectangular opening for overflow 111 is
formed in the wall 112 of the submergence aggregate container 204
at a predetermined height of the submergence aggregate container
204, and guide 117 is provided in a horizontally protruding
condition along the lower edge of the opening for overflow 111 in
this embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, however, three
openings for overflow 131 can be provided at different heights in
the wall 112 of the submergence aggregate container 204 instead of
the opening for overflow 111, and the guide 117 can be provided in
a horizontally protruding condition along a lowest edge of the
opening for overflow 131.
[0495] In this constitution, only the opening for overflow 131
corresponding to a required total volume V.sub.f is opened, and all
other openings for overflow 131 are sealed by using seal plugs 132
and 133 as shown in FIG. 28.
[0496] According to this constitution, it becomes unnecessary to
prepare a submergence aggregate container for each total volume
V.sub.f.
[0497] In the measuring apparatus for concrete-forming materials
shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, a submergence aggregate container 204a
having three openings for overflow 131 is used instead of the
submergence aggregate container 204 having the opening for overflow
111. The submergence aggregate container 204a is the same as the
submergence aggregate container 204 in components except for the
difference in the openings for overflow, and it is the same as the
above embodiment in its entire constitution. Therefore, description
of these points will be omitted here.
[0498] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rectangular opening for
overflow 111 is formed on the wall 112 of the submergence aggregate
container 204 at the predetermined height of the submergence
aggregate container 204 and the guide 117 is provided in the
horizontally protruding condition along the lower edge of the
opening for overflow. As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, an opening for
overflow 134 with an increased height may be formed in the wall
112, instead of the opening for overflow 111, in a condition where
the opening for overflow 134 is covered with a bracket cover 135
free to move up and down. Furthermore, an overflow height can be
variable according to a position where the bracket cover 135 moves
up and down.
[0499] The bracket cover 135 comprises a guide, which is similar to
the guide 117, provided in a horizontally protruding condition from
an upper edge of a curved cover plate moving up and down along a
circumferential surface of submergence aggregate container 204b.
The bracket cover 135 is fixed to the wall of the submergence
aggregate container 204b with a screw 136, by which it can be
positioned at a desired height. A rubber gasket or the like may be
used appropriately so that predetermined watertightness is secured
between the curved cover plate and the wall of the submergence
aggregate container 204b.
[0500] In this constitution, the bracket cover 135 is moved up and
down so that the guide of the bracket cover 135 is located at a
desired height and then it is fixed with the screw 136. With this,
the curved cover plate of the bracket cover 135 closes a part of
the opening for overflow 134 lower than the guide, by which it
becomes possible to variably adjust a water level at which water of
the submergence aggregate in the submergence aggregate container
204b overflows. Therefore, there is no need to prepare a
submergence aggregate container for each total volume V.sub.f.
[0501] In the measuring apparatus for concrete-forming materials
shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, a submergence aggregate container 204b
having the opening for overflow 134 and the bracket cover 135 for
variably adjusting the overflow height of the opening for overflow
134 is used instead of the submergence aggregate container 204
having the opening for overflow 111. The submergence aggregate
container 204b is the same as the submergence aggregate container
204 in terms of components except for the difference in the opening
for overflow and its related member, and it is otherwise the same
as the above embodiment in its entire constitution. Therefore,
description of these points will be omitted here.
[0502] The following should be noted though it has not been
particularly noted in this embodiment. If there is a possibility
that the aggregate thrown into the submergence aggregate container
204 will emerge from the water and will not be submergence
aggregate, a vibrator is used to level a top of the aggregate.
[0503] Referring to FIG. 31, there is shown a modification as
mentioned above. In FIG. 31, a rod vibrator 137 is installed above
the submergence aggregate container 204 so that it is free to move
up and down and so that it may be buried in the submergence
aggregate 121 in a downward location (indicated by a
dash-single-dot line in FIG. 31).
[0504] In this constitution, during or after throwing fine
aggregate, the vibrator 137 is lowered and operated in the shown
condition.
[0505] With this, the fine aggregate thrown into the submergence
aggregate container 204 is leveled by vibration of the vibrator
137, by which the fine aggregate will be submerged in the water.
Before measuring a mass of the submergence aggregate 121, the
vibrator 137 is raised and put in a standby state, until a next
measurement, in an upward location.
Sixth Embodiment
[0506] Referring to FIG. 32, there is shown a flowchart of a
procedure for a measuring method for concrete-forming materials
according to a sixth embodiment. The embodiment will now be
described by giving an example of using fine aggregate of two kinds
A and B. The measuring method for concrete-forming materials
according to this embodiment can be implemented by selecting an
appropriate one from the above measuring apparatuses.
[0507] As apparent from FIG. 32, in the measuring method for
concrete-forming materials according to this embodiment, first,
water and fine aggregate A are thrown into a measurement tank so
that the fine aggregate A is submerged in water as submergence
aggregate and so that the water overflows the measurement tank to
fill the measurement tank with the submergence aggregate (step
1301).
[0508] The measurement tank may be formed, for example, in a shape
of a hollow truncated cone so that a bore of the measurement tank
gets larger in a downward direction. With this, when a measurement
is finished, a free fall of the submergence aggregate in the
measurement tank can be achieved only by opening a bottom lid
without a blockage of submergence aggregate in the measurement tank
even if no vibrating instrument such as a vibrator is used.
Thereafter, the submergence aggregate can be thrown into a kneading
mixer together with cement and coarse aggregate measured
separately.
[0509] If the water and the fine aggregate A are thrown into the
measurement tank in this manner, a water level at which the water
overflows the measurement tank is predetermined. Therefore, if the
measurement tank is filled with the submergence aggregate as
mentioned above, total volume V.sub.f of the submergence aggregate
equal to a known value is obtained without measurement.
[0510] Subsequently, the total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence
aggregate is measured (step 1302). The total mass M.sub.f1 of the
submergence aggregate can be obtained by subtracting a measurement
value of an empty measurement tank, containing no submergence
aggregate, from a measurement value of the measurement tank filled
with the submergence aggregate.
[0511] Subsequently, mass M.sub.a1 of the fine aggregate A in the
saturated surface-dried condition is calculated by solving the
following formulas from the total mass M.sub.f1 of the measured
submergence aggregate (step 1303). M.sub.a1+M.sub.w=M.sub.f1 (7)
M.sub.a1/.rho..sub.a1+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f (8) where
.rho..sub.a1 is the density of the fine aggregate A in the
saturated surface-dried condition and .rho..sub.w is the density of
the water.
[0512] After measuring and calculating the mass M.sub.a1 of the
fine aggregate A in the saturated surface-dried condition as
mentioned above, the fine aggregate B, which is aggregate of the
second kind, is thrown into the measurement tank so that the fine
aggregate B is submerged in water as part of submergence aggregate
and so that the water overflows the measurement tank (step
1304).
[0513] When throwing the aggregates A and B and the water into the
measurement tank, preferably the water is thrown earlier and the
fine aggregates are thrown later to prevent the submergence
aggregate from being mixed with air bubbles. In addition, if the
fine aggregates A and B are not directly thrown into the
measurement tank, but the fine aggregates are conveyed to the
measurement tank by using a vibrating feeder having an
electromagnetic vibrator, for example, it becomes possible to
prevent granulation of the fine aggregates, and thus prevent air
bubble mixing.
[0514] Subsequently, total mass M.sub.f2 of the submergence
aggregate is measured (step 1305).
[0515] Thereafter, mass M.sub.a2 of the fine aggregate B in a
saturated surface-dried condition and mass M.sub.w of the water are
calculated from the measured total mass M.sub.f2 of the submergence
aggregate by using the following formulas (step 1306).
M.sub.a1+M.sub.a2+M.sub.w=M.sub.f2 (9)
M.sub.a1/.rho..sub.a1+M.sub.a2/.rho..sub.a2+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.su-
b.f (10) where .rho..sub.a2 is the density of the fine aggregate B
in the saturated surface-dried condition.
[0516] After measuring and calculating the mass M.sub.w of the
water, the mass M.sub.a1 of the fine aggregate A in the saturated
surface-dried condition, and the mass M.sub.a2 of the fine
aggregate B in the saturated surface-dried condition in this
manner, these values are compared with mix proportions shown by a
specified mix, respectively. Thereafter, an insufficiency is
measured and then the submergence aggregate is supplemented by an
amount equal to that of the insufficiency so as to let the
aggregate and the water become concrete materials. If there is too
much water, excess water is sucked with a vacuum or the like (step
1307).
[0517] As set forth hereinabove, according to the measuring method
for concrete-forming materials of this embodiment, surface water of
the fine aggregates A and B can be indirectly calculated as a part
of the mass M.sub.w of the water, even if a fine aggregate whose
moisture state is not uniform is used, and the mass of the fine
aggregate A and that of the fine aggregate B can be calculated as
the mass M.sub.ai (i=1, 2) of the fine aggregate in the saturated
surface-dried condition. In other words, since the mass of the fine
aggregates and the mass of the water are calculated on conditions
equivalent to the specified mix, even if a humidity grade of the
fine aggregate is not fixed at every measurement, it becomes
possible to make concrete with water of the amount as shown by the
specified mix.
[0518] In addition, even if the fine aggregates A and B differ from
each other in density, grading, or the like, they can be measured
in a single measurement tank efficiently and very accurately.
[0519] Furthermore, according to the measuring method for
concrete-forming materials of this embodiment, the fine aggregates
A and B are thrown into the measurement tank so that the water
overflows the measurement tank, by which the total volume V.sub.fi
(i=1, 2) of the submergence aggregate is maintained at a steady
value V.sub.f that is an internal volume of the measurement tank in
the overflow condition, and therefore the total volume V.sub.fi
(i=1, 2) of the submergence aggregate need not be measured every
time.
[0520] While the total volume V.sub.fi (i=1, 2) of the submergence
aggregate is maintained at the steady value V.sub.f by causing the
water to overflow the measurement tank in this embodiment as
mentioned above, the total volume V.sub.fi (i=1, 2) of the
submergence aggregate can be measured by using an electrode-type
displacement sensor or the like, instead.
[0521] The electrode-type displacement sensor can be one capable of
measuring a water level of the submergence aggregate by monitoring
a change in an energized condition when a lower end of a detection
electrode contacts a water surface of submergence fine aggregate in
the measurement tank, for example.
[0522] Furthermore, while this embodiment has been described by
giving the example of fine aggregate of two kinds, naturally
aggregate of an arbitrary number of kinds can be used. This method
is applicable to a measurement of coarse aggregate and also
applicable to a combination of fine aggregate and coarse
aggregate.
[0523] A correaction of air content has not been described
particularly in this embodiment. If the air content a (%) of the
submergence aggregate is considered, however, the known total
volume V.sub.f should be multiplied by (1-a/100). For example, the
following formula may be used instead of formula (8).
M.sub.a1/.rho..sub.a1+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f(1-a/100)
[0524] This enables more accurate measurement since actual total
volume is used for the measurement with the air content
excluded.
[0525] Furthermore, the following should be noted though it has not
been particularly noted in this embodiment. If there is a
possibility that the aggregates thrown into the measurement tank
will emerge from the water and will not be submergence aggregate, a
vibrator is lowered during or after throwing the fine aggregates A
and B and operated in this condition. Thereby, the fine aggregates
A and B thrown into the measurement tank can be leveled by
vibration of the vibrator, so that the fine aggregates A and B are
submerged in the water. Before measuring a mass of the submergence
aggregate, the vibrator is raised and put in a standby state, until
a next measurement, in an upward location.
[0526] While the following has not been particularly noted in this
embodiment, percentages of surface moisture of the fine aggregates
A and B can be calculated from the following formula by previously
measuring the mass M.sub.awi (i=1, 2) of the fine aggregates A and
B in a wet condition. (M.sub.awi-M.sub.ai)/M.sub.ai (13)
[0527] Referring to FIG. 33, there is shown a flowchart of a
procedure of the measuring method according to this
modification.
[0528] This modification is described by giving an example of using
two fine aggregates A and B in the same manner as for the above
embodiment. First, measurements are made previously on the mass
M.sub.awi (i=1, 2) of the fine aggregates A and B in a wet
condition (step 1311).
[0529] On the other hand, in the same manner as for the above
embodiment, water is thrown into the measurement tank and the
measured fine aggregate A is thrown into the measurement tank so
that the aggregate A is submerged in water as submergence
aggregate, and so that the water overflows the measurement tank
(step 1301).
[0530] Hereinafter, in the same manner as for the above embodiment,
the total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate is measured
(step 1302), the mass M.sub.a1 of the fine aggregate A in the
saturated surface-dried condition is calculated from the measured
total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate by using the
formulas (7) and (8) (step 1303). Subsequently, the measured fine
aggregate B is thrown into the measurement tank so that the fine
aggregate B is submerged in water as submergence aggregate and so
that the water overflows the measurement tank (step 1304).
Thereafter, the total mass M.sub.f2 of the submergence aggregate is
measured (step 1305) and the mass M.sub.a2 of the fine aggregate B
in the saturated surface-dried condition and the mass M.sub.w of
the water are calculated from the measured total mass M.sub.f2 of
the submergence aggregate by using the formulas (9) and (10) (step
1306).
[0531] Percentages of surface moisture of the fine aggregates A and
B are then calculated from the following formula by using the
calculated mass M.sub.ai (i=1, 2) of the fine aggregates A and B in
the saturated surface-dried condition and the previously measured
mass M.sub.awi (i=1, 2) of the fine aggregates in a wet condition
(step 1312). (M.sub.awi(i=1,2)-M.sub.ai(i=1,2)/M.sub.ai(i=1,2)
(13)
[0532] Subsequently, the calculated mass M.sub.w of the water and
the mass M.sub.ai (i=1, 2) of the fine aggregates A and B in the
saturated surface-dried condition are compared with mix proportions
shown by a specified mix, respectively, and an insufficiency is
measured. The submergence aggregate is supplemented with additional
water if water is needed or with additional aggregate if aggregate
is needed, taking into consideration the surface water on the basis
of the percentages of surface moisture calculated in step 1312. The
aggregates and the water are then treated as concrete materials. If
there is too much water, excess water is sucked and removed with a
vacuum or the like (step 1313).
[0533] Furthermore, if the amount of water M.sub.I supplied to the
measurement tank and the amount of water M.sub.O discharged from
the measurement tank are previously measured as accumulation values
similarly, .SIGMA.M.sub.awj (j=1 to i) can be calculated from the
following formula. .SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to
i)=M.sub.fi-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (14) M.sub.awi is then calculated
from the following formula. .SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to
i)-.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to (i-1)) (15) Thereafter, the percentages
of surface moisture of the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N)
can be calculated by substituting the M.sub.awi into the following
formula. (M.sub.awi-M.sub.ai)/M.sub.ai (13)
[0534] Referring to FIGS. 34 and 35, there is shown a flowchart of
a procedure for a measuring method according to the modification.
In this measuring method, two fine aggregates A and B are used, for
example. Water is thrown first into the measurement tank in the
same manner as for the above embodiment, and then the fine
aggregate A is thrown into the measurement tank so that it is
submerged in water as submergence aggregate and so that the water
overflows the measurement tank to fill the measurement tank with
submergence aggregate. In parallel to the above processing, the
amount of water M.sub.I supplied to the measurement tank and the
amount of water M.sub.O discharged from the measurement tank are
measured (step 1321).
[0535] Thereafter, total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate
is measured in the same manner as for the above embodiment (step
1302) and mass M.sub.a1 of the fine aggregate A in a saturated
surface-dried condition is calculated from the measured total mass
M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate by using the formulas (7) and
(8) (step 1303).
[0536] Subsequently, .SIGMA.M.sub.awj (j=1) or M.sub.aw1 is
calculated by using the amount of supplied water M.sub.I and the
amount of discharged water M.sub.O from the following formula.
.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1)=M.sub.f1-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (14) A percentage
of surface moisture of the fine aggregate A is calculated by
substituting the M.sub.aw1 into the following formula (step 1322).
(M.sub.aw1-M.sub.a1)/M.sub.a1 (13)
[0537] Subsequently, the fine aggregate B is thrown into the
measurement tank so that the fine aggregate B is submerged in water
as submergence aggregate and so that the water overflows the
measurement tank while measuring the amount of water M.sub.I
supplied to the measurement tank and the amount of water M.sub.O
discharged from the measurement tank (step 1323). Total mass
M.sub.f2 of the submergence aggregate is then measured (step 1305)
and mass M.sub.a2 of the fine aggregate B and mass M.sub.w of the
water are calculated from the measured total mass M.sub.f2 of the
submergence aggregate by using the formulas (9) and (10) (step
1306).
[0538] Thereafter, .SIGMA.M.sub.awj (j=1, 2) is calculated by using
the amount of supplied water M.sub.I and the amount of discharged
water M.sub.O from the following formula.
.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1,2)=M.sub.f2-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (14) M.sub.aw2
is then calculated from the following formula.
.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1,2)-.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1) (15) A percentage of
surface moisture of the fine aggregate B is calculated by
substituting the above M.sub.aw2 into the following formula (step
1324). (M.sub.aw2-M.sub.a2)/M.sub.a2 (13)
[0539] Subsequently, the mass M.sub.w of the water, the mass
M.sub.a1 of the fine aggregate A in the saturated surface-dried
condition, and the mass M.sub.a2 of the fine aggregate B in the
saturated surface-dried condition calculated in the above are
compared with mix proportions shown by the specified mix,
respectively, and an insufficiency is measured. The submergence
aggregate is supplemented with additional water if water is needed
or with additional fine aggregate if fine aggregate is needed,
taking into consideration the surface water on the basis of the
percentages of surface moisture calculated in step 1324. The
aggregates and the water are then treated as concrete materials. If
there is too much water, excess water is sucked and removed with a
vacuum or the like (step 1325).
Seventh Embodiment
[0540] Referring to FIGS. 36 and 37, there is shown a flowchart of
a procedure for a measuring method for concrete-forming materials
according to a seventh embodiment. This embodiment will now be
described by giving an example of using fine aggregate of two kinds
A and B as aggregate of a first kind and aggregate of a second
kind, respectively. The measuring method for concrete-forming
materials according to this embodiment can be implemented by
selecting an appropriate one from the above measuring
apparatuses.
[0541] As apparent from FIGS. 36 and 37, in the measuring method
for concrete-forming materials according to this embodiment, mass
M.sub.aw1 of the fine aggregate A in a wet condition is measured,
first (step 1331).
[0542] Water is then thrown into a submergence aggregate container
(step 1332).
[0543] The submergence aggregate container can be formed in a shape
of a hollow truncated cone so that a bore of the submergence
aggregate container gets larger in a downward direction. With this,
when measurement is finished, a free fall of submergence aggregate
in the submergence aggregate container can be achieved only by
opening a bottom lid without a blockage of submergence aggregate in
the submergence aggregate container even if no vibrating instrument
such as a vibrator is used. Thereafter, the submergence aggregate
can be thrown into a kneading mixer together with cement and coarse
aggregate measured separately.
[0544] Subsequently, the fine aggregate A and water are thrown into
the submergence aggregate container so that the fine aggregate A is
submerged in water and so that the water overflows the submergence
aggregate container to fill it with submergence aggregate. Then, an
amount of water M.sub.I supplied to the submergence aggregate
container and an amount of water M.sub.O discharged from the
submergence aggregate container are measured as accumulation values
(step 1333).
[0545] If the water and the fine aggregate A are thrown into the
submergence aggregate container in this manner, a water level at
which the water overflows the submergence aggregate container is
predetermined. Therefore, if the submergence aggregate container is
filled with the submergence aggregate as mentioned above, total
volume V.sub.f of the submergence aggregate equal to a known value
is obtained without measurement.
[0546] When throwing the aggregates A into the submergence
aggregate container or throwing the aggregate B in post-processing,
preferably the fine aggregates A and B are conveyed to the
submergence aggregate container by using a vibrating feeder having
an electromagnetic vibrator, for example.
[0547] Subsequently, mass M.sub.a1 of the fine aggregate A in a
saturated surface-dried condition is calculated by solving the
following formulas. M.sub.a1+M.sub.w=M.sub.aw1+(M.sub.I-M.sub.O)
(16) M.sub.a1/.rho..sub.a1+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f (17) where
.rho..sub.a1 is the density of the fine aggregate A in the
saturated surface-dried condition and .rho..sub.w is the density of
the water. In addition, a percentage of surface moisture of the
fine aggregate A is calculated from the following formula (step
1334). (M.sub.aw1-M.sub.a1)/M.sub.a1 (18)
[0548] Mass M.sub.aw2 of the fine aggregate B in a wet condition is
measured (step 1335).
[0549] The fine aggregate B and water are then thrown into the
submergence aggregate container so that the fine aggregate B is
submerged in water and so that the water overflows the submergence
aggregate container to fill it with submergence aggregate. In
addition, an amount of supplied water M.sub.I and an amount of
discharge water M.sub.O are measured as accumulation values (step
1336).
[0550] Subsequently, mass M.sub.a2 of the fine aggregate B in a
saturated surface-dried condition and mass M.sub.w of the water in
the submergence aggregate are calculated from the following two
formulas (step 1337).
M.sub.a1+M.sub.a2+M.sub.w=M.sub.aw1+M.sub.aw2+(M.sub.I-M.sub.O)
(19)
M.sub.a1/.rho..sub.a1+M.sub.a2/.rho..sub.a2+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f
(20) where .rho..sub.a2 is the density of the fine aggregate B in
the saturated surface-dried condition and .rho..sub.w is the
density of the water. In addition, a percentage of surface moisture
of the fine aggregate B is calculated from the following formula
(step 1337). (M.sub.aw2-M.sub.a2)/M.sub.a2 (21)
[0551] After measuring and calculating the mass M.sub.w of the
water, the mass M.sub.ai (i=1, 2) of the fine aggregate A and the
fine aggregate B in the saturated surface-dried condition, and
percentages of surface moisture of the fine aggregates A and B,
these values are compared with mix proportions shown by a specified
mix, respectively, and an insufficiency is measured. The
submergence aggregate is supplemented with additional water if
water is needed or with additional fine aggregate if fine aggregate
is needed, taking into consideration the surface water on the basis
of the percentages of surface moisture calculated in the above. The
aggregates and the water are then treated as concrete materials. If
there is too much water, excess water is sucked and removed with a
vacuum or the like (step 1338).
[0552] As set forth hereinabove, according to the measuring method
for concrete-forming materials of this embodiment, the surface
water of the fine aggregates A and B can be indirectly calculated
as a part of the mass M.sub.w of the water, even if a fine
aggregate whose moisture state is not uniform is used, and the mass
of the fine aggregates A and that of the fine aggregates B can be
calculated as the mass M.sub.ai (i=1, 2) of the fine aggregate in
the saturated surface-dried condition. In other words, since the
mass of the fine aggregate and the mass of the water are calculated
on conditions equivalent to the specified mix, even if a humidity
grade of the fine aggregates is not fixed at every measurement, it
becomes possible to make concrete with water of the amount as shown
by the specified mix.
[0553] In addition, even if the fine aggregates A and B differ from
each other in density, grading, or the like, they can be measured
in a single measurement tank efficiently and very accurately.
[0554] Furthermore, the percentages of the fine aggregates A and B
can be calculated, by which the surface water can be considered on
the basis of the calculated percentages of surface moisture when
the fine aggregates are added for supplement.
[0555] While this embodiment has been described by giving the
example fine aggregate of two kinds, naturally aggregates of an
arbitrary number of kinds can be used. This method is applicable to
a measurement of coarse aggregate and also applicable to a
combination of fine aggregate and coarse aggregate.
[0556] A correaction of air content has not been described
particularly in this embodiment. If the air content a (%) of the
submergence aggregate is considered, however, the known total
volume V.sub.f should be multiplied by (1-a/100) in the same manner
as for the above embodiment.
[0557] This constitution enables more accurate measurement since
actual total volume is used for the measurement with the air
content excluded.
[0558] Furthermore, the following should be noted though it has not
been particularly noted in this embodiment. If there is a
possibility that the aggregates thrown into the submergence
aggregate container will emerge from the water and will not be
submergence aggregate, a vibrator is lowered during or after
throwing the fine aggregates A and B and operated in this
condition. Thereby, the fine aggregates A and B thrown into the
submergence aggregate container can be leveled by vibration of the
vibrator, so that the fine aggregates A and B are submerged in the
water. Before measuring a mass of the submergence aggregate, the
vibrator is raised and put in a standby state, until a next
measurement, in an upward location.
Eighth Embodiment
[0559] Referring to FIG. 38, there is shown a flowchart of a
procedure for a measuring method for concrete-forming materials
according to an eighth embodiment. This embodiment will now be
described by giving an example of using fine aggregate of two kinds
A and B. The measuring method for concrete-forming materials
according to this embodiment can be implemented by selecting an
appropriate one from the above measuring apparatuses.
[0560] As apparent from FIG. 38, in the measuring method for
concrete-forming materials according to this embodiment,
mean-density .rho..sub.ave of an entire aggregate is first
calculated from a mass ratio of the fine aggregate A as aggregate
of a first kind to the fine aggregate B as aggregate of a second
kind and density .rho..sub.ai (i=1, 2) of the fine aggregates A and
B in a saturated surface-dried condition (step 1401).
[0561] The fine aggregates A and B can be stored in a predetermined
storage hopper collectively in a condition where the mass ratio is
known. Otherwise, two storage hoppers can be prepared individually
to calculate the mass ratio from a speed at which the aggregates
are conveyed from a location beneath these storage hoppers to a
measurement tank. Contrarily, this conveyance speed can be adjusted
so as to achieve a target mass ratio.
[0562] Subsequently, water is thrown into the measurement tank, and
the fine aggregates A and B are thrown at the same time into the
measurement tank so that the fine aggregates A and B are submerged
in the water as submergence aggregate and so that the water
overflows the measurement tank to fill the measurement tank with
the submergence aggregate (step 1402).
[0563] The measurement tank may be formed, for example, in a shape
of a hollow truncated cone so that a bore of the measurement tank
gets larger in a downward direction. With this, when a measurement
is finished, a free fall of the submergence aggregate in the
measurement tank can be achieved only by opening a bottom lid
without a blockage of submergence aggregate in the measurement tank
even if no vibrating instrument such as a vibrator is used.
Thereafter, the submergence aggregate can be thrown into a kneading
mixer together with cement and coarse aggregate measured
separately.
[0564] When throwing the fine aggregates A and B at the same time
into the measurement tank, preferably the water is thrown earlier
and the fine aggregates A and B are thrown later to prevent the
submergence aggregate from being mixed with air bubbles. In
addition, if the fine aggregates A and B are conveyed to the
measurement tank by using a vibrating feeder having an
electromagnetic vibrator, for example, it becomes possible to
prevent granulation of the fine aggregates, and thus prevent air
bubble mixing.
[0565] If the water and the fine aggregate A and B are thrown into
the measurement tank in this manner, a water level at which the
water overflows the measurement tank is predetermined. Therefore,
if the measurement tank is filled with the submergence aggregate as
mentioned above, total volume V.sub.f of the submergence aggregate
equal to a known value is obtained without measurement.
[0566] Subsequently, the total mass M.sub.f of the submergence
aggregate is measured (step 1403). The total mass M.sub.f of the
submergence aggregate can be obtained by subtracting a measurement
value of an empty measurement tank, containing no submergence
aggregate, from a measurement value of the measurement tank filled
with the submergence aggregate.
[0567] Subsequently, summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1, 2), that is,
total mass of the aggregates A and B in the saturated surface-dried
condition and mass M.sub.w of water are calculated from the
measured total mass M.sub.f of the submergence aggregate by solving
the following formulas (step 1404).
.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1,2)+M.sub.w=M.sub.f (25)
.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1,2)/.rho..sub.ave+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f
(26) where .rho..sub.a1 is the density of the fine aggregate A in
the saturated surface-dried condition, .rho..sub.a2 is the density
of the fine aggregate B in the saturated surface-dried condition,
and .rho..sub.w is the density of the water.
[0568] After measuring and calculating the mass M.sub.w of the
water and the summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1, 2), that is, the
total mass of the fine aggregates A and B in the saturated
surface-dried condition as mentioned above, these values are
compared with mix proportions shown by a specified mix,
respectively. Thereafter, an insufficiency is measured and then the
submergence aggregate is supplemented with additional water or
aggregate when needed so as to let the aggregates and the water
become concrete materials. If there is too much water, excess water
is sucked and removed with a vacuum or the like (step 1405).
[0569] As set forth hereinabove, according to the measuring method
for concrete-forming materials of this embodiment, the surface
water of the fine aggregates A and B can be indirectly calculated
as a part of the mass M.sub.w of the water, even if a fine
aggregate whose moisture state is not uniform is used, and the mass
of the fine aggregate A and that of the fine aggregate B can be
calculated as the summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1, 2); that is, the
total mass of the fine aggregates in the saturated surface-dried
condition. In other words, since the mass of the fine aggregates
and the mass of the water are calculated on conditions equivalent
to the specified mix, even if a humidity grade of the fine
aggregate is not fixed at every measurement, it becomes possible to
make concrete with water of the amount as shown by the specified
mix.
[0570] In addition, even if the fine aggregates A and B differ from
each other in density, grading, or the like, they can be measured
in a single measurement tank efficiently and very accurately.
[0571] Furthermore, according to the measuring method of concrete
materials of this embodiment, the fine aggregates A and B are
thrown into the measurement tank at the same time so that the water
overflows the measurement tank, by which the total volume V.sub.f
of the submergence aggregate is maintained at a steady value that
is an internal volume of the measurement tank in an overflow
condition, and therefore, the total volume V.sub.f of the
submergence aggregate need not be measured every time.
[0572] While the total volume V.sub.f of the submergence aggregate
is maintained at the steady value by causing the water to overflow
the measurement tank in this embodiment as mentioned above, the
total volume V.sub.f of the submergence aggregate can be measured
by using an electrode-type displacement sensor or the like,
instead.
[0573] The electrode-type displacement sensor can be one capable of
measuring a water level of the submergence aggregate by monitoring
a change in an energized condition when a lower end of a detection
electrode contacts a water surface of the submergence aggregate in
the measurement tank, for example.
[0574] Furthermore, while this embodiment has been described by
giving the example of fine aggregate of two kinds, naturally
aggregates of an arbitrary number of kinds can be used. This method
is applicable to a measurement of coarse aggregate and also
applicable to a combination of fine aggregate and coarse
aggregate.
[0575] A correaction of air content has not been described
particularly in this embodiment. If the air content a (%) of the
submergence aggregate is considered, however, the known total
volume V.sub.f should be multiplied by (1-a/100). For example, the
following formula may be used instead of formula (26).
.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to
N)/.rho..sub.ave+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f(1-a/100)
[0576] This enables more accurate measurement since actual total
volume is used for the measurement with the air content
excluded.
[0577] Furthermore, the following should be noted though it has not
been particularly noted in this embodiment. If there is a
possibility that the aggregates thrown into the measurement tank
will emerge from the water and will not be submergence aggregate, a
vibrator is lowered during or after throwing the fine aggregates A
and B and operated in this condition. Thereby, the fine aggregates
A and B thrown into the measurement tank can be leveled by
vibration of the vibrator, so that the fine aggregates A and B are
submerged in the water. Before measuring a mass of the submergence
aggregate, the vibrator is raised and put in a standby state, until
a next measurement, in an upward location.
[0578] While the following has not been particularly noted in this
embodiment, if the summation .SIGMA.M.sub.awi (i=1 to N), that is
the total mass of a plurality of aggregates of the i-th kind (i=1
to N) in wet condition is previously measured, an average
percentage of surface moisture can be calculated from the following
formula. (.SIGMA.M.sub.awi(i=1 to N)-.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to
N))/.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to N) (27)
[0579] Referring to FIG. 39, there is shown a flowchart of a
procedure for a measuring method according to this
modification.
[0580] This modification shown in FIG. 39 is described by giving an
example of using two fine aggregates A and B in the same manner as
for the above embodiment. First, measurements are made previously
on summation .SIGMA.M.sub.awi (i=1, 2) of the fine aggregates A and
B in a wet condition (step 1411).
[0581] On the other hand, in the same manner as for the above
embodiment, a mean-density of the entire aggregate .rho..sub.ave is
calculated from a mass ratio of the fine aggregate A to the fine
aggregate B and the densities .rho..sub.ai (i=1, 2) of the fine
aggregate A and the fine aggregate B in a saturated surface-dried
condition (step 1401).
[0582] Subsequently, water is thrown into the measurement tank, and
the fine aggregates A and B are thrown at the same time into the
measurement tank so that the aggregates A and B are submerged in
water as submergence aggregate and so that the water overflows the
measurement tank (step 1402).
[0583] Hereinafter, in the same manner as for the above embodiment,
the total mass M.sub.f of the submergence aggregate is measured
(step 1403). The summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai, that is, the total mass
of the aggregates A and B in a saturated surface-dried condition
and the mass M.sub.w of the water are calculated from the measured
total mass M.sub.f of the submergence aggregate by using the
formulas (25) and (26) (step 1404).
[0584] Percentages of surface moisture of the fine aggregates A and
B are then calculated from the following formula by using the
calculated summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1, 2), that is, the total
mass of the fine aggregates A and B in the saturated surface-dried
condition and the previously measured summation .SIGMA.M.sub.awi
(i=1, 2), that is, the total mass of the fine aggregates A and B in
a wet condition (step 1412).
(.SIGMA.M.sub.awi(i=1,2)-.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1,2)/M.sub.ai(i=1,2)
(27)
[0585] Subsequently, the calculated mass M.sub.w of the water and
the mass M.sub.ai (i=1, 2) of the fine aggregates A and B in the
saturated surface-dried condition are compared with mix proportions
shown by the specified mix, respectively, and an insufficiency is
measured. The submergence aggregate is supplemented with additional
water if water is needed or with additional fine aggregates if fine
aggregates are needed, taking into consideration the surface water
on the basis of the percentages of surface moisture calculated in
step 1412. The aggregates and the water are then treated as
concrete materials. If there is too much water, excess water is
sucked and removed with a vacuum or the like (step 1413).
[0586] Furthermore, if the amount of water M.sub.I supplied to the
measurement tank and the amount of water M.sub.O discharged from
the measurement tank are previously measured as accumulation values
similarly, .SIGMA.M.sub.awi (i=1 to N) is calculated from the
following formula. .SIGMA.M.sub.awi(i=1 to
N)=M.sub.f-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (28) An average percentage of surface
moisture of the aggregate of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) can be
calculated by substituting .SIGMA.M.sub.awi (i=1 to N) for the
following formula. (.SIGMA.M.sub.awi(i=1 to N)-.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1
to N))/.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to N) (27)
[0587] Referring to FIG. 40, there is shown a flowchart of a
procedure for a measuring method according to this modification. In
this measuring method, two fine aggregates A and B are used, for
example. First, in the same manner as for the above embodiment, the
mean-density .rho..sub.ave is calculated from the mass ratio of the
fine aggregate A to the fine aggregate B and the density
.rho..sub.ai (i=1, 2) of the fine aggregates A and B in a saturated
surface-dried condition (step 1401).
[0588] Water is then thrown into the measurement tank, and the fine
aggregates A and B are thrown into the measurement tank at the same
time so that the fine aggregates A and B are submerged in water as
submergence aggregate and so that the water overflows the
measurement tank to fill the measurement tank with the submergence
aggregate. In parallel to the above processing, the amount of water
M.sub.I supplied to the measurement tank and the amount of water
M.sub.O discharged from the measurement tank are measured (step
1421).
[0589] Thereafter, total mass M.sub.f of the submergence aggregate
is measured in the same manner as for the above embodiment (step
1403) and the summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1, 2), that is, the
total mass of the fine aggregates A and B in the saturated
surface-dried condition and the mass M.sub.w of the water are
calculated from the measured total mass M.sub.f of the submergence
aggregate by using the formulas (25) and (26) (step 1404).
[0590] Subsequently, .SIGMA.M.sub.awi (i=1, 2) is calculated by
using the amount of water M.sub.I supplied to the measurement tank
and the amount of water M.sub.O discharged from the measurement
tank from the following formula.
.SIGMA.M.sub.awi(i=1,2)=M.sub.f-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (28) An average
percentage of surface moisture of the fine aggregates A and B is
calculated by substituting the .SIGMA.M.sub.awi for the following
formula (step 1422).
(.SIGMA.M.sub.awi(i=1,2)-.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1,2))/.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1,2)
(27)
[0591] Subsequently, the mass M.sub.w of the water and the
summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1, 2), that is, the total mass of the
fine aggregates A and B in the saturated surface-dried condition
are compared with mix proportions shown by a specified mix,
respectively, and an insufficiency is measured. The submergence
aggregate is supplemented with additional water if water is needed
or with additional fine aggregates if fine aggregates are needed,
taking into consideration surface water on the basis of the
percentages of surface moisture calculated in step 1422. The
aggregates and the water are then treated as concrete materials. If
there is too much water, excess water is sucked and removed with a
vacuum or the like (step 1423).
Ninth Embodiment
[0592] Referring to FIG. 41, there is shown a flowchart of a
procedure for a measuring method for concrete-forming materials
according to a ninth embodiment. The embodiment will now be
described by giving an example of using fine aggregate of two kinds
A and B. The measuring method for concrete-forming materials
according to this embodiment can be implemented by selecting an
appropriate one from the above measuring apparatuses.
[0593] As apparent from FIG. 41, in the measuring method for
concrete-forming materials according to this embodiment, the fine
aggregate A as aggregate of a first kind and the fine aggregate B
as aggregate of a second kind are measured in a wet condition,
first (step 1431).
[0594] Subsequently, mean-density .rho..sub.ave of the entire
aggregate is calculated from a mass ratio of the fine aggregate A
to the fine aggregate B and density .rho..sub.ai (i=1, 2) of the
fine aggregates A and B in a saturated surface-dried condition
(step 1432).
[0595] The fine aggregates A and B can be stored in a predetermined
storage hopper collectively in a condition where the mass ratio is
known. Otherwise, two storage hoppers can be prepared to measure
the fine aggregates A and B individually and to calculate the mass
ratio at that time.
[0596] Water is then thrown into a submergence aggregate container
(step 1433).
[0597] The submergence aggregate container may be formed, for
example, in a shape of a hollow truncated cone so that a bore of
the submergence aggregate container becomes larger in a downward
direction. With this, when a measurement is finished, a free fall
of the submergence aggregate in the submergence aggregate container
can be achieved only by opening a bottom lid without a blockage of
submergence aggregate in the submergence aggregate container even
if no vibrating instrument such as a vibrator is used. Thereafter,
the submergence aggregate can be thrown into a kneading mixer
together with cement and coarse aggregate measured separately.
[0598] Subsequently, the fine aggregates A and B are thrown into
the submergence aggregate container so that the fine aggregates A
and B are submerged in water and so that the water overflows the
submergence aggregate container to fill the submergence aggregate
container with the submergence aggregate. In addition, an amount of
water M.sub.I supplied to the submergence aggregate is measured as
an accumulation value, while measuring an amount of water M.sub.O
discharged from the submergence aggregate container as an
accumulation value (step 1434).
[0599] If the water and the fine aggregate A are thrown into the
submergence aggregate container in this manner, a water level at
which the water overflows the submergence aggregate container is
predetermined. Therefore, if the submergence aggregate container is
filled with the submergence aggregate as mentioned above, total
volume V.sub.f of the submergence aggregate equal to a known value
is obtained without measurement.
[0600] When throwing the fine aggregates A and B into the
submergence aggregate container at the same time, preferably the
aggregates are conveyed to the submergence aggregate container by
using a vibrating feeder having an electromagnetic vibrator, for
example.
[0601] Subsequently, summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1, 2), that is,
total mass of the aggregates A and B in the saturated surface-dried
condition and mass M.sub.w of water in the submergence aggregate
are calculated from the following two formulas.
.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1,2)+M.sub.w=.SIGMA.M.sub.awi(i=1,2)+(M.sub.I-M.sub.O)
(29)
.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1,2)/.rho..sub.ave+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f
(30) where .rho..sub.w is the density of the water. In addition, an
average percentage of surface moisture of the fine aggregates A and
B is calculated from the following formula (step 1435).
(.SIGMA.M.sub.awi(i=1,2)-.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1,2)/.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1,2)
(31)
[0602] By comparing the mass M.sub.w of the water and the summation
.SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1, 2), that is, the total mass of the fine
aggregates A and B in the saturated surface-dried condition
calculated as mentioned above with mix proportions shown by a
specified mix, respectively, an insufficiency is measured. The
submergence aggregate is then supplemented with additional water if
water is needed or with additional aggregate if aggregate is
needed, taking into consideration surface water on the basis of the
calculated average percentage of surface moisture, so as to let the
aggregates and the water become concrete materials. If there is too
much water, excess water is sucked and removed with a vacuum or the
like (step 1436).
[0603] As set forth hereinabove, according to the measuring method
of concrete materials of this embodiment, the surface water of the
fine aggregates A and B can be indirectly calculated as a part of
the mass M.sub.w of the water, even if a fine aggregate whose
moisture state is not uniform is used, and the mass of the fine
aggregate A and that of the fine aggregate B can be calculated as
the summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1, 2), that is, the total mass of
the fine aggregates A and B in the saturated surface-dried
condition. In other words, since the mass of the fine aggregates
and the mass of the water are calculated on conditions equivalent
to the specified mix, even if a humidity grade of the fine
aggregates is not fixed at every measurement, it becomes possible
to make concrete with water of the amount as shown by the specified
mix.
[0604] In addition, even if the fine aggregates A and B differ from
each other in density, grading, or the like, they can be measured
in a single submergence aggregate container efficiently and very
accurately.
[0605] Furthermore, the percentages of surface moisture of the fine
aggregates A and B can also be calculated, by which it is possible
to take into consideration the surface water by using the
calculated percentages of surface moisture when the submergence
aggregate is supplemented with the fine aggregates.
[0606] Furthermore, while this embodiment has been described by
giving an example of fine aggregate of two kinds, naturally
aggregates of an arbitrary number of kinds can be used. This method
is applicable to a measurement of coarse aggregate and also
applicable to a combination of fine aggregate and coarse
aggregate.
[0607] A correaction of air content has not been described
particularly in this embodiment. If the air content a (%) of the
submergence aggregate is considered, however, the known total
volume Vf should be multiplied by (1-a/100).
[0608] This enables more accurate measurement since actual total
volume is used for the measurement with the air content
excluded.
[0609] Furthermore, the following should be noted though it has not
been particularly noted in this embodiment. If there is a
possibility that the aggregates thrown into the submergence
aggregate container will emerge from the water and will not form
submergence aggregate, a vibrator is lowered during or after
throwing the fine aggregates A and B and operated in this
condition. Thereby, the fine aggregates A and B thrown into the
submergence aggregate container can be leveled by vibration of the
vibrator, so that the fine aggregates A and B are submerged in the
water. Before measuring a mass of the submergence aggregate, the
vibrator is raised and put in a standby state, until a next
measurement, in an upward location.
Tenth Embodiment
[0610] Referring to FIG. 42, there is shown a flowchart of a
procedure for a measuring method for concrete-forming materials
according to a tenth embodiment. The measuring method for
concrete-forming materials according to this embodiment can be
implemented by selecting an appropriate one from the above
measuring apparatuses.
[0611] As apparent from FIG. 42, in the measuring method for
concrete-forming materials according to this embodiment, water and
fine aggregate are thrown into a measurement tank so that the fine
aggregate, namely, aggregate is submerged in water as submergence
aggregate and so that the water overflows the measurement tank to
fill the measurement tank with the submergence aggregate (step
1501).
[0612] When throwing the fine aggregate and water into the
measurement tank, preferably the water is thrown earlier and the
fine aggregate is thrown later to prevent the submergence aggregate
from being mixed with air bubbles. In addition, if the fine
aggregate is not directly thrown into the measurement tank, but
conveyed to the measurement tank by using a vibrating feeder having
an electromagnetic vibrator, for example, it becomes possible to
prevent granulation of the fine aggregate, and thus prevent air
bubble mixing.
[0613] The measurement tank may be formed, for example, in a shape
of a hollow truncated cone so that a bore of the measurement tank
becomes larger in a downward direction. With this, when a
measurement is finished, a free fall of the submergence aggregate
in the measurement tank can be achieved only by opening a bottom
lid without a blockage of submergence aggregate in the measurement
tank even if no vibrating instrument such as a vibrator is used.
Thereafter, the submergence aggregate can be thrown into a kneading
mixer together with cement and coarse aggregate measured
separately.
[0614] If the water and the fine aggregate are thrown into the
measurement tank in this manner, a water level at which the water
overflows the measurement tank is predetermined. Therefore, if the
measurement tank is filled with the submergence aggregate as
mentioned above, total volume V.sub.f of the submergence aggregate
equal to a known value is obtained without measurement.
[0615] Subsequently, the total mass M.sub.f of the submergence
aggregate is measured (step 1502). The total mass M.sub.f of the
submergence aggregate can be obtained by subtracting a measurement
value of an empty measurement tank, containing no submergence
aggregate, from a measurement value of the measurement tank filled
with the submergence aggregate.
[0616] Subsequently, mass M.sub.a of the fine aggregate in the
saturated surface-dried condition and mass M.sub.w of the water are
calculated from the measured total mass M.sub.f of the submergence
aggregate by using the following formulas (step 1503).
M.sub.a+M.sub.w=M.sub.f (1)
M.sub.a/.rho..sub.a+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f (2) where
.rho..sub.a is the density of the fine aggregate in the saturated
surface-dried condition and .rho..sub.w is the density of the
water.
[0617] When measuring the fine aggregate in the procedure mentioned
above, the aggregate is thrown into the measurement tank at a
predetermined speed continuously or intermittently while measuring
the total mass M.sub.f of the submergence aggregate in real time or
at predetermined time intervals repeatedly (steps 1501 to 1503)
until the mass M.sub.a of the aggregate in a saturated
surface-dried condition reaches a scheduled input (step 1504,
NO).
[0618] Thereafter, when the mass M.sub.a of the fine aggregate in
the saturated surface-dried condition reaches the scheduled input
(step 1504, YES), throwing the fine aggregate is terminated.
[0619] After measuring the fine aggregate of the scheduled input,
the mass M.sub.w of the water at a termination of throwing the fine
aggregate is compared with a mix proportion of water shown by a
specified mix. If the amount of water is insufficient, required
water is added. If there is too much water, excess water is sucked
and removed with a vacuum or the like, for example. The aggregate
and the water are then treated as concrete materials (step
1505).
[0620] As set forth hereinabove, according to the measuring method
for concrete-forming materials of this embodiment, surface water of
the fine aggregate can be indirectly calculated as a part of the
mass M.sub.w of the water, even if a fine aggregate whose moisture
state is not uniform is used, and the mass of the fine aggregate
can be calculated as the mass M.sub.a of the fine aggregate in the
saturated surface-dried condition. In other words, since the mass
of the fine aggregate and the mass of the water are calculated on
conditions equivalent to the specified mix, even if a humidity
grade of the fine aggregate is not fixed at every measurement, it
becomes possible to make concrete with water of the amount as shown
by the specified mix.
[0621] Furthermore, the fine aggregate is thrown into the
measurement tank at a predetermined speed continuously or
intermittently while measuring the total mass M.sub.f of the
submergence aggregate in real time or at predetermined time
intervals, and throwing the fine aggregate is terminated when the
mass M.sub.a of the fine aggregate in the saturated surface-dried
condition reaches the scheduled input. Therefore, there is no
possibility of excess or deficiency in the measurement of fine
aggregate, thereby improving efficiency of measuring aggregate.
[0622] Still further, according to the measuring method for
concrete-forming materials of this embodiment, the fine aggregate
is thrown into the measurement tank so that the water overflows the
measurement tank, and the total volume V.sub.f of the submergence
aggregate is maintained at a steady value that is an internal
volume of the measurement tank in an overflow condition, and
therefore, the total volume V.sub.f of the submergence aggregate
need not be measured every time.
[0623] While the total volume V.sub.f of the submergence aggregate
is maintained at the steady value by causing the water to overflow
the measurement tank in this embodiment as mentioned above, the
total volume V.sub.f of the submergence aggregate can be measured
by using an electrode-type displacement sensor or the like,
instead.
[0624] The electrode-type displacement sensor can be one capable of
measuring a water level of the submergence aggregate by monitoring
a change in an energized condition when a lower end of a detection
electrode contacts a water surface of the submergence aggregate in
the measurement tank, for example.
[0625] A correaction of an air content has not been described
particularly in this embodiment. If the air content a (%) of the
submergence aggregate is considered, however, the known total
volume Vf should be multiplied by (1-a/100). For example, the
following formula may be used instead of formula (2).
M.sub.a/.rho..sub.a+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f(1-a/100)
[0626] This enables more accurate measurement since actual total
volume is used for the measurement with the air content
excluded.
[0627] Furthermore, the following should be noted though it has not
been particularly noted in this embodiment. If there is a
possibility that the aggregate thrown into the measurement tank
will emerge from the water and will not be submergence aggregate, a
vibrator is lowered during or after throwing the fine aggregate and
operated in this condition. Thereby, the fine aggregate thrown into
the measurement tank can be leveled by vibration of the vibrator,
so that the fine aggregate is submerged in the water. Before
measuring amass of the submergence aggregate, the vibrator is
raised and put in a standby state, until a next measurement, in an
upward location.
[0628] While the following has not been particularly noted in this
embodiment, the percentage of surface moisture of the fine
aggregate can be calculated by measuring an amount of water M.sub.I
supplied to the measurement tank and an amount of water M.sub.O
discharged from the measurement tank as accumulation values.
[0629] Referring to FIG. 43, there is shown a flowchart of a
procedure for a measuring method according to this modification. In
the measuring method, in the same manner as for the embodiment,
water is thrown into the measurement tank, first, and fine
aggregate is thrown into the measurement tank so that the fine
aggregate is submerged in the water as submergence aggregate and so
that the water overflows the measurement tank to fill the
measurement tank with the submergence aggregate. In parallel to the
above processing, the amount of water M.sub.I supplied to the
measurement tank and the amount of water M.sub.O discharged from
the measurement tank are measured as accumulation values (step
1511).
[0630] Thereafter, total mass M.sub.f of the submergence aggregate
is measured in the same manner as for the above embodiment (step
1502) and the mass M.sub.a of the fine aggregate in a saturated
surface-dried condition and the mass M.sub.w of the water are
calculated from the measured total mass M.sub.f of the submergence
aggregate by using the formulas (1) and (2) (step 1503). In
measuring the fine aggregate in the above procedure, the fine
aggregate is thrown into the measurement tank at a predetermined
speed continuously or intermittently here, too, while measuring the
total mass M.sub.f of the submergence aggregate in real time or at
predetermined time intervals repeatedly (steps 1511, 1502, 1503),
until the mass M.sub.a of the aggregate in the saturated
surface-dried condition reaches a scheduled input (step 1512,
NO).
[0631] When the mass M.sub.a of the fine aggregate in the saturated
surface-dried condition reaches the scheduled input (step 1512,
YES), throwing the fine aggregate is terminated.
[0632] After measuring the fine aggregate of the scheduled input,
the mass M.sub.w of the water at termination of throwing the fine
aggregate is compared with a mix proportion of water shown by a
specified mix. If the amount of water is insufficient, required
water is added. If there is too much water, excess water is sucked
and removed with a vacuum or the like, for example. The aggregate
and the water are then treated as concrete materials (step
1505).
[0633] On the other hand, mass M.sub.aw of the fine aggregate in a
wet condition is calculated by using the total mass M.sub.f of the
submergence aggregate at the termination of throwing the fine
aggregate, the amount of water M.sub.I supplied to the measurement
tank, and the amount of water M.sub.O discharged from the
measurement tank from the following formula.
M.sub.aw=M.sub.f-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (4) A percentage of surface
moisture of the fine aggregate is calculated by substituting the
above M.sub.aw into the following formula (step 1516).
(M.sub.aw-M.sub.a)/M.sub.a (3)
[0634] In this constitution, the calculated percentage of surface
moisture can be used as a measure of an amount of thrown water for
a next measurement.
Eleventh Embodiment
[0635] Referring to FIGS. 44 and 45, there is shown a flowchart a
procedure for a measuring method for concrete-forming materials
according to an eleventh embodiment. This embodiment will now be
described on the assumption that two fine aggregates A and B are
thrown cumulatively and that an aggregate input reaches a scheduled
input during a throwing operation of the fine aggregate B. The
measuring method for concrete-forming materials according to this
embodiment can be implemented by selecting an appropriate one from
the measuring apparatuses mentioned above.
[0636] As apparent from FIGS. 44 and 45, in the measuring method
for concrete-forming materials according to this embodiment, water
and the fine aggregate A are thrown into a measurement tank first
so that the fine aggregate A is submerged in water as submergence
aggregate and so that the water overflows the measurement tank to
fill the measurement tank with the submergence aggregate (step
1521).
[0637] The measurement tank may be formed, for example, in a shape
of a hollow truncated cone so that a bore of the measurement tank
becomes larger in a downward direction. With this, when a
measurement is finished, a free fall of the submergence aggregate
in the measurement tank can be achieved only by opening a bottom
lid without a blockage of submergence aggregate in the measurement
tank even if no vibrating instrument such as a vibrator is used.
Thereafter, the submergence aggregate can be thrown into a kneading
mixer together with cement and coarse aggregate measured
separately.
[0638] If the water and the fine aggregate A are thrown into the
measurement tank in this manner, a water level at which the water
overflows the measurement tank is predetermined. Therefore, if the
measurement tank is filled with the submergence aggregate as
mentioned above, total volume V.sub.f of the submergence aggregate
equal to a known value is obtained without measurement.
[0639] Subsequently, the total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence
aggregate is measured (step 1522). The total mass M.sub.f1 of the
submergence aggregate can be obtained by subtracting a measurement
value of an empty measurement tank, containing no submergence
aggregate, from a measurement value of the measurement tank filled
with the submergence aggregate.
[0640] Subsequently, mass M.sub.a1 of the fine aggregate A in a
saturated surface-dried condition is calculated from the measured
total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate by using the
following formulas (step 1523). M.sub.a1+M.sub.w=M.sub.f1 (7)
M.sub.a1/.rho..sub.a1+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f (8) where
.rho..sub.a1 is the density of the fine aggregate A in the
saturated surface-dried condition and .rho..sub.w is the density of
the water.
[0641] When measuring the fine aggregate A in the procedure
mentioned above, the aggregate A is thrown into the measurement
tank at a predetermined speed continuously or intermittently while
measuring the total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate in
real time or at predetermined time intervals repeatedly until the
mass M.sub.a1 of the aggregate A in the saturated surface-dried
condition reaches a scheduled input. In this embodiment, however,
it is assumed that the aggregate input will not reach the scheduled
input even after a completion of throwing all the fine aggregate A.
Therefore, an aggregate of a second kind, namely, the fine
aggregate B is thrown into the measurement tank so that the fine
aggregate B is submerged in water as submergence aggregate and so
that the water overflows the measurement tank (step 1524).
[0642] When throwing the fine aggregates A and B and water into the
measurement tank, preferably the water is thrown earlier and the
fine aggregates A and B are thrown later to prevent the submergence
aggregate from being mixed with air bubbles. In addition, if the
fine aggregates A and B are not directly thrown into the
measurement tank, but conveyed to the measurement tank by using a
vibrating feeder having an electromagnetic vibrator, for example,
it becomes possible to prevent granulation of the fine aggregates,
and thus prevent air bubble mixing.
[0643] Total mass M.sub.f2 of the submergence aggregate is then
measured (step 1525).
[0644] Subsequently, mass M.sub.a2 of the fine aggregate B in a
saturated surface-dried condition and mass M.sub.w of the water are
calculated from the measured total mass M.sub.f2 of the submergence
aggregate by using the following formulas (step 1526).
M.sub.a1+M.sub.a2+M.sub.w=M.sub.f2 (9)
M.sub.a1/.rho..sub.a1+M.sub.a2/.rho..sub.a2+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.su-
b.f (10) where .rho..sub.a2 is the density of the fine aggregate B
in the saturated surface-dried condition.
[0645] In measuring the fine aggregate B in the above procedure,
the fine aggregate B is thrown into the measurement tank at a
predetermined speed continuously or intermittently, while measuring
the total mass M.sub.f of the submergence aggregate in real time or
at predetermined time intervals repeatedly (steps 1524 to 1526),
until summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1, 2), which is total mass of
the fine aggregates A and B thrown by then in the saturated
surface-dried condition, reaches the scheduled input (step 1527,
NO).
[0646] When the summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1, 2), which is the
total mass of the thrown fine aggregates A and B in the saturated
surface-dried condition, reaches the scheduled input (step 1527,
YES), throwing the fine aggregate B is terminated in a middle of
this throwing operation.
[0647] If measuring the aggregate of the scheduled input is
accomplished in the middle of throwing the fine aggregate B as
mentioned above, the mass M.sub.w of the water at a termination of
throwing the aggregate is compared with a mix proportion of water
shown by a specified mix. If the amount of water is insufficient,
required water is added. If there is too much water, excess water
is sucked and removed with a vacuum or the like, for example. The
aggregate and the water are then treated as concrete materials
(step 1528).
[0648] As set forth hereinabove, according to the measuring method
for concrete materials of this embodiment, surface water of the
fine aggregates A and B can be indirectly calculated as a part of
the mass M.sub.w of the water, even if a fine aggregate whose
moisture state is not uniform is used, and the mass of the fine
aggregate A and the mass of the fine aggregate B can be calculated
as the mass M.sub.ai (i=1, 2) of the fine aggregates A and B in the
saturated surface-dried condition. In other words, since the mass
of the fine aggregates and the mass of the water are calculated on
conditions equivalent to the specified mix, even if a humidity
grade of the fine aggregate is not fixed at every measurement, it
becomes possible to make concrete with water of the amount as shown
by the specified mix.
[0649] Furthermore, the fine aggregates A an B are thrown into the
measurement tank at a predetermined speed continuously or
intermittently while measuring the total mass M.sub.fi (i=1, 2) of
the submergence aggregate in real time or at predetermined time
intervals. In addition, throwing the fine aggregates is terminated
when the mass M.sub.ai (i=1, 2) of the fine aggregates A and B in
the saturated surface-dried condition reaches the scheduled input.
Therefore, there is no possibility of excess or deficiency in the
measurement of fine aggregates, thereby improving efficiency of
measuring aggregate.
[0650] Even if the fine aggregates A and B differ from each other
in density, grading, or the like, they can be measured in a single
measurement tank efficiently and very accurately.
[0651] Still further, according to the measuring method for
concrete-forming materials of this embodiment, the fine aggregates
A and B are thrown into the measurement tank so that the water
overflows the measurement tank, the total volume V.sub.fi (i=1, 2)
of the submergence aggregate is maintained at a steady value
V.sub.f that is an internal volume of the measurement tank in an
overflow condition, and therefore, the total volume V.sub.fi (i=1,
2) of the submergence aggregate need not be measured every
time.
[0652] While the total volume V.sub.fi (i=1, 2) of the submergence
aggregate is maintained at the steady value V.sub.f by causing the
water to overflow the measurement tank in this embodiment as
mentioned above, the total volume V.sub.fi (i=1, 2) of the
submergence aggregate can be measured by using an electrode-type
displacement sensor or the like, instead.
[0653] The electrode-type displacement sensor can be one capable of
measuring a water level of the submergence aggregate by monitoring
a change in an energized condition when a lower end of a detection
electrode contacts a water surface of the submergence aggregate in
the measurement tank, for example.
[0654] Furthermore, while this embodiment has been described by
giving an example of fine aggregate of two kinds, naturally
aggregate of an arbitrary number of kinds can be used. This method
is applicable to a measurement of coarse aggregate and also
applicable to a combination of fine aggregate and coarse
aggregate.
[0655] A correaction of an air content has not been described
particularly in this embodiment. If the air content a (%) of the
submergence aggregate is considered, however, the known total
volume V.sub.f should be multiplied by (1-a/100). For example, the
following formula may be used instead of formula (8).
M.sub.a1/.rho..sub.a1+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f1(1-a/100)
[0656] This enables more accurate measurement since actual total
volume is used for the measurement with the air content
excluded.
[0657] Furthermore, the following should be noted though it has not
been particularly noted in this embodiment. If there is a
possibility that the fine aggregate thrown into the measurement
tank will emerge from the water and will not be submergence
aggregate, a vibrator is lowered during or after throwing the fine
aggregate A or B and operated in this condition. Thereby, the fine
aggregate A or B thrown into the measurement tank can be leveled by
vibration of the vibrator, so that the fine aggregate is submerged
in the water. Before measuring a mass of the submergence aggregate,
the vibrator is raised and put in a standby state, until the next
measurement, in an upward location.
[0658] While the following has not been particularly noted in this
embodiment, if an amount of water M.sub.I supplied to the
measurement tank and an amount of water M.sub.O discharged from the
measurement tank are previously measured as accumulation values,
.SIGMA.M.sub.awj (j=1 to i) can be calculated from the following
formula. .SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to i)=M.sub.fi-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (14)
Mawi is then calculated from the following formula.
.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to i)-.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to (i-1)) (15)
Thereafter, the percentages of surface moisture of the aggregate of
the i-th kind (i=1 to N) can be calculated by substituting
M.sub.awi for the following formula. (M.sub.awi-M.sub.ai)/M.sub.ai
(13)
[0659] Referring to FIGS. 46 and 47, there is shown a flowchart of
a procedure for a measuring method according to this modification.
This measuring method will be described by giving an example of
using fine aggregate of two kinds A and B on the assumption that an
input of the fine aggregate B reaches a scheduled input in the same
manner as for the embodiment.
[0660] In this modification, water is thrown into the measurement
tank, first, and the fine aggregate A is then thrown into the
measurement tank so that it is submerged in water as submergence
aggregate and so that the water overflows the measurement tank to
fill the measurement tank with the submergence aggregate. In
parallel to the above processing, the amount of water M.sub.I
supplied to the measurement tank and the amount of water M.sub.O
discharged from the measurement tank are measured (step 1531).
[0661] Thereafter, total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate
is measured in the same manner as for the above embodiment (step
1522). The mass M.sub.a1 of the fine aggregate A in a saturated
surface-dried condition is then calculated from the measured total
mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate by using the formulas
(7) and (8) (step 1523).
[0662] Subsequently, .SIGMA.M.sub.awj (j=1), namely, M.sub.aw1 is
calculated by using the amount of supplied water M.sub.I and the
amount of discharged water M.sub.O from the following formula.
.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1)=M.sub.f1-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (14) Thereafter,
the percentage of surface moisture of the aggregate A is calculated
by substituting M.sub.aw1 into the following formula (step 1532).
(M.sub.aw1-M.sub.a1)/M.sub.a1 (13)
[0663] Subsequently, the fine aggregate B is thrown into the
measurement tank so that it is submerged in water as submergence
aggregate and so that the water overflows the measurement tank in
the same manner as for the embodiment (step 1524). Total mass
M.sub.f2 of the submergence aggregate is measured (step 1525).
Then, mass M.sub.a2 of the fine aggregate B in a saturated
surface-dried condition and mass M.sub.w of the water are
calculated from the measured total mass M.sub.f2 of the submergence
aggregate by using the formulas (9) and (10) (step 1526).
[0664] In measuring the fine aggregate B in the above procedure,
the fine aggregate B is thrown into the measurement tank at a
predetermined speed continuously or intermittently, while measuring
the total mass M.sub.f2 of the submergence aggregate in real time
or at predetermined time intervals repeatedly (steps 1524 to 1526),
until the summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1, 2), which is the total
mass of the fine aggregates A and B thrown by then in the saturated
surface-dried condition, reaches the scheduled input (step 1527,
NO).
[0665] When the summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1, 2) of the thrown
fine aggregates A and B in the saturated surface-dried condition
reaches the scheduled input (step 1527, YES), throwing the fine
aggregate B is terminated in a middle of this operation.
[0666] Subsequently, .SIGMA.M.sub.awj (j=1, 2) is calculated by
using the amount of supplied water M.sub.I and the amount of
discharged water M.sub.O at termination of throwing the fine
aggregate B from the following formula.
.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1,2)=M.sub.f2-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (14) M.sub.aw2
is then calculated from the following formula.
.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1,2)-.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1) (15) Furthermore, a
percentage of surface moisture of the fine aggregate B is
calculated by substituting M.sub.aw2 into the following formula
(step 1533). (M.sub.aw2-M.sub.a2)/M.sub.a2 (13)
[0667] Thereafter, by comparing the mass M.sub.w of the water, the
mass M.sub.a1 of the fine aggregate A in the saturated
surface-dried condition, and the mass M.sub.a2 of the fine
aggregate B in the saturated surface-dried condition calculated in
the above with mix proportions shown by a specified mix, an
insufficiency is measured. If the water is insufficient, required
water is added. If the fine aggregate is insufficient, required
fine aggregate is added to the above submergence aggregate, taking
into consideration surface water on the basis of the percentage of
surface moisture calculated in step 1533, so as to allow the water
and the fine aggregates become concrete materials. If there is too
much water, excess water is sucked and removed with a vacuum or the
like, for example (step 1534).
Twelfth Embodiment
[0668] Referring to FIG. 48, there is shown a flowchart of a
procedure for a measuring method for concrete-forming materials
according to a twelfth embodiment. The measuring method for
concrete-forming materials according to this embodiment can be
implemented by selecting an appropriate one from the above
measuring apparatuses.
[0669] As apparent from FIG. 48, the embodiment will now be
described by giving an example of using fine aggregate of two kinds
A and B. Mean-density of the entire aggregate .rho..sub.ave is
first calculated from a mass ratio of the fine aggregate A as
aggregate of a first kind to the fine aggregate B as aggregate of a
second kind and density .rho..sub.ai (i=1, 2) of the fine
aggregates A and B in a saturated surface-dried condition (step
1541).
[0670] The fine aggregates A and B can be stored in a predetermined
storage hopper collectively in a condition where the mass ratio is
known. Otherwise, two storage hoppers can be prepared individually
to calculate the mass ratio from a speed at which the aggregates
are conveyed from a location beneath these hoppers to the
measurement tank. Contrarily, a conveyance speed can be adjusted so
as to achieve a target mass ratio.
[0671] Subsequently, water is thrown into the measurement tank, and
the fine aggregates A and B are thrown at the same time into the
measurement tank so that the fine aggregates A and B are submerged
in the water as submergence aggregate and so that the water
overflows the measurement tank to fill the measurement tank with
the submergence aggregate (step 1542).
[0672] The measurement tank may be formed, for example, in a shape
of a hollow truncated cone so that a bore of the measurement tank
becomes larger in a downward direction. With this, when a
measurement is finished, a free fall of the submergence aggregate
in the measurement tank can be achieved only by opening a bottom
lid without a blockage of submergence aggregate in the measurement
tank even if no vibrating instrument such as a vibrator is used.
Thereafter, the submergence aggregate can be thrown into a kneading
mixer together with cement and coarse aggregate measured
separately.
[0673] When throwing the fine aggregates A and B at the same time
into the measurement tank, preferably the water is thrown earlier
and the fine aggregates A and B are thrown later to prevent the
submergence aggregate from being mixed with air bubbles. In
addition, if the fine aggregates A and B are conveyed to the
measurement tank by using a vibrating feeder having an
electromagnetic vibrator, for example, it becomes possible to
prevent granulation of the fine aggregates, and thus prevent air
bubble mixing.
[0674] If the water and the fine aggregates A and B are thrown into
the measurement tank in this manner, a water level at which the
water overflows the measurement tank is predetermined. Therefore,
if the measurement tank is filled with the submergence aggregate as
mentioned above, total volume Vf of the submergence aggregate equal
to a known value is obtained without measurement.
[0675] Subsequently, the total mass M.sub.f of the submergence
aggregate is measured (step 1543). The total mass M.sub.f of the
submergence aggregate can be obtained by subtracting a measurement
value of an empty measurement tank, containing no submergence
aggregate, from a measurement value of the measurement tank filled
with the submergence aggregate.
[0676] Subsequently, summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1, 2), that is,
total mass of the aggregates A and B in a saturated surface-dried
condition and mass M.sub.w of water are calculated from the
measured total mass M.sub.f of the submergence aggregate by solving
the following formulas (step 1544).
.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1,2)+M.sub.w=M.sub.f (25)
.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1,2)/.rho..sub.ave+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f
(26)
[0677] When measuring the fine aggregates A and B in the procedure
mentioned above, the aggregates are thrown into the measurement
tank at a predetermined speed continuously or intermittently while
measuring the total mass M.sub.f of the submergence aggregate in
real time or at predetermined time intervals repeatedly (steps 1542
to 1544) until the summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1, 2) of the fine
aggregates A and B in the saturated surface-dried condition reaches
a scheduled input (step 1545, NO).
[0678] Thereafter, when the summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1, 2) of
the fine aggregates A and B in the saturated surface-dried
condition reaches the scheduled input (step 1545, YES), throwing
the fine aggregates A and B is terminated.
[0679] After measuring the fine aggregate of the scheduled input,
the mass M.sub.w of the water at termination of throwing the fine
aggregates is compared with the mix proportion of water shown by a
specified mix. If the water is insufficient, required water is
added. If there is too much water, excess water is sucked and
removed with a vacuum or the like, for example. The aggregates and
the water are then treated as concrete materials (step 1546).
[0680] As set forth hereinabove, according to the measuring method
for concrete-forming materials of this embodiment, the surface
water of the fine aggregates A and B can be indirectly calculated
as a part of the mass M.sub.w of the water, even if a fine
aggregate whose moisture state is not uniform is used, and the mass
of the fine aggregate can be calculated as the summation
.SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1, 2) of the aggregates A and B in the saturated
surface-dried condition. In other words, since the mass of the fine
aggregates and the mass of the water are calculated on conditions
equivalent to the specified mix, even if a humidity grade of the
fine aggregate is not fixed at every measurement, it becomes
possible to make concrete with water of the amount as shown by the
specified mix.
[0681] Furthermore, the fine aggregate is thrown into the
measurement tank at a predetermined speed continuously or
intermittently while measuring the total mass M.sub.f of the
submergence aggregate in real time or at predetermined time
intervals, and throwing the fine aggregate is terminated when the
summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1, 2) of the aggregates A and B in the
saturated surface-dried condition reaches the scheduled input.
Therefore, there is no possibility of excess or deficiency in the
measurement of fine aggregates, thereby improving efficiency of
measuring aggregate.
[0682] Even if the fine aggregates A and B differ from each other
in density, grading, or the like, they can be measured in a single
measurement tank efficiently and very accurately.
[0683] Still further, according to the measuring method of concrete
materials of this embodiment, the fine aggregates A and B are
thrown into the measurement tank at a time so that the water
overflows the measurement tank, and the total volume V.sub.f of the
submergence aggregate is maintained at a steady value that is an
internal volume of the measurement tank in an overflow condition,
and therefore, the total volume V.sub.f of the submergence
aggregate need not be measured every time.
[0684] While the total volume V.sub.f of the submergence aggregate
is maintained at the steady value by causing the water to overflow
the measurement tank in this embodiment as mentioned above, the
total volume V.sub.f of the submergence aggregate can be measured
by using an electrode-type displacement sensor or the like,
instead.
[0685] The electrode-type displacement sensor can be one capable of
measuring a water level of the submergence aggregate by monitoring
a change in an energized condition when a lower end of a detection
electrode contacts a water surface of the submergence aggregate in
the measurement tank, for example.
[0686] Furthermore, while this embodiment has been described by
giving an example of fine aggregate of two kinds, naturally
aggregate of an arbitrary number of kinds can be used. This method
is applicable to a measurement of coarse aggregate and also
applicable to a combination of fine aggregate and coarse
aggregate.
[0687] A correaction of an air content has not been described
particularly in this embodiment. If the air content a (%) of the
submergence aggregate is considered, however, the known total
volume V.sub.f should be multiplied by (1-a/100). For example, the
following formula may be used instead of formula (26).
.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1 to
N)/.rho..sub.ave+M.sub.w/.rho..sub.w=V.sub.f(1-a/100)
[0688] This enables more accurate measurement since actual total
volume is used for the measurement with the air content
excluded.
[0689] Furthermore, the following should be noted though it has not
been particularly mentioned in this embodiment. If there is a
possibility that the aggregates thrown into the measurement tank
will emerge from the water and will not be submergence aggregate, a
vibrator is lowered during or after throwing the fine aggregates A
and B and operated in this condition. Thereby, the fine aggregates
A and B thrown into the measurement tank can be leveled by
vibration of the vibrator, so that the fine aggregates are
submerged in the water. Before measuring a mass of the submergence
aggregate, the vibrator is raised and put in a standby state, until
a next measurement, in an upward location.
[0690] While the following has not been particularly mentioned in
this embodiment, the percentage of surface moisture of the
aggregates of the i-th kind (i=1 to N) can be calculated by
measuring an amount of supplied water M.sub.I to the measurement
tank and an amount of water M.sub.O discharged from the measurement
tank as accumulation values.
[0691] Referring to FIG. 49, there is shown a flowchart of a
procedure for a measuring method according to this modification.
The measuring method will be described by giving an example of
using fine aggregate of two kinds A and B. In the same manner as
for the above embodiment, a mean-density of the entire aggregate
.rho..sub.ave is calculated from a mass ratio of the fine aggregate
A to the fine aggregate B and the densities .rho..sub.ai (i=1, 2)
of the fine aggregate A and the fine aggregate B in a saturated
surface-dried condition (step 1541).
[0692] Subsequently, water is thrown into the measurement tank and
the fine aggregates A and B are thrown into the measurement tank at
the same time so that the fine aggregates A and B are submerged in
the water as submergence aggregate and so that the water overflows
the measurement tank to fill the measurement tank with the
submergence aggregate. In parallel to the above processing, the
amount of water M.sub.I supplied to the measurement tank and the
amount of water M.sub.O discharged from the measurement tank are
measured (step 1551).
[0693] Thereafter, total mass M.sub.f of the submergence aggregate
is measured in the same manner as for the above embodiment (step
1543) and the summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1, 2), that is, the
total mass of the fine aggregates A and B in a saturated
surface-dried condition and the mass M.sub.w of the water are
calculated from the measured total mass M.sub.f of the submergence
aggregate by using the formulas (25) and (26) (step 1544).
[0694] When measuring the fine aggregates A and B in the procedure
mentioned above, the aggregates are thrown into the measurement
tank at a predetermined speed continuously or intermittently while
measuring the total mass M.sub.f of the submergence aggregate in
real time or at predetermined time intervals repeatedly (steps
1551, 1543, and 1544) until the summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1, 2)
of the fine aggregates A and B in a saturated surface-dried
condition reaches a scheduled input (step 1545, NO).
[0695] Thereafter, when the summation .SIGMA.M.sub.ai (i=1, 2) of
the fine aggregates A and B in the saturated surface-dried
condition reaches the scheduled input (step 1545, YES), throwing
the fine aggregates A and B is terminated.
[0696] After measuring the fine aggregates of the scheduled input,
the mass M.sub.w of the water at termination of throwing the fine
aggregates is compared with a mix proportion of water shown by a
specified mix. If the water is insufficient, required water is
added. If there is too much water, excess water is sucked and
removed with a vacuum or the like, for example. The aggregates and
the water are then treated as concrete materials (step 1546).
[0697] On the other hand, .SIGMA.M.sub.awi (i=1, 2) is calculated
by using the total mass M.sub.f of the submergence aggregate at
termination of throwing the fine aggregates, the amount of water
M.sub.I supplied to the measurement tank, and the amount of water
M.sub.O discharged from the measurement tank with the following
formula. .SIGMA.M.sub.awi(i=1,2)=M.sub.f-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (28)
Thereafter, an average percentage of surface moisture of the fine
aggregates is calculated by substituting .SIGMA.M.sub.awi (i=1, 2)
into the following formula (step 1552).
(.SIGMA.M.sub.awi(i=1,2)-.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1,2)/.SIGMA.M.sub.ai(i=1,2)
(27)
[0698] According to this constitution, the calculated percentage of
surface moisture can be used as a standard of water input for a
subsequent measurement.
Thirteenth Embodiment
[0699] Referring to FIGS. 50 and 51, there is shown a flowchart of
a procedure for a measuring method of concrete materials according
to a thirteenth embodiment. The measuring method of concrete
materials according to this embodiment can be implemented by
selecting an appropriate one from the measuring apparatuses
mentioned above.
[0700] As apparent from FIGS. 50 and 51, in the measuring method
for concrete-forming materials according to this embodiment, there
is set up a target mass M.sub.di (i=1, 2) of submergence aggregate
at an end of throwing fine aggregates A and B, first (step
1601).
[0701] During setup of the target mass M.sub.di (i=1, 2), filling
factor F of the submergence aggregate, which is a volume ratio of
fine aggregate in the total volume of water and fine aggregate, is
set up first. Then, a mixing volume N.sub.0 of one batch is set up.
A volume of the fine aggregate is set up on the basis of the
filling factor F of the submergence aggregate and the mixing volume
N.sub.0 of one batch. Subsequently, a target input mass of the fine
aggregates A and B in a saturated surface-dried condition is
determined from a mixture ratio of the fine aggregates A and B and
densities thereof in the saturated surface-dried condition. Then, a
mass of water thrown first (primary measurement water) and the fine
aggregate A thrown into the water may be considered to be target
mass M.sub.d1 of the submergence aggregate, and a mass of the
submergence aggregate and the fine aggregate B thrown into the
submergence aggregate may be considered to be target mass M.sub.d2
of the submergence aggregate. When the target mass M.sub.di (i=1,
2) of the submergence aggregate is determined, a correaction after
measurement can be reduced by setting a most appropriate percentage
of surface moisture and including it in the primary measurement
water.
[0702] Subsequently, the fine aggregate A and the water are thrown
into a predetermined measurement tank so that the fine aggregate is
submerged in the water so as to be submergence aggregate (step
1602). When throwing the fine aggregate and the water into the
measurement tank, preferably the water is thrown earlier and the
fine aggregate is thrown later to prevent the submergence aggregate
from being mixed with air bubbles. In addition, if the fine
aggregate is not directly thrown into the measurement tank, but it
is conveyed to the measurement tank by using a vibrating feeder
having an electromagnetic vibrator, for example, it becomes
possible to prevent granulation of the fine aggregate, and thus
prevent air bubble mixing.
[0703] The measurement tank may be formed, for example, in a shape
of a hollow truncated cone so that a bore of the measurement tank
gets larger as it goes below. With this, when the measurement is
finished, a free fall of the submergence aggregate in the
measurement tank can be achieved only by opening a bottom lid
without a blockage of submergence aggregate in the measurement tank
even if no vibrating instrument such as a vibrator is used.
Thereafter, the submergence aggregate can be thrown into a kneading
mixer together with cement and coarse aggregate measured
separately.
[0704] Subsequently, the total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence
aggregate is measured (step 1603). The total mass M.sub.f1 of the
submergence aggregate can be measured by subtracting a measurement
value of an empty measurement tank from the mass of the measurement
tank filled with the submergence aggregate. This mass measurement
can be performed with tension-type load cells, for example.
[0705] When measuring total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence
aggregate, the aggregate A is thrown into the measurement tank at a
predetermined speed continuously or intermittently while measuring
the total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate in real time
or at predetermined time intervals. Thereafter, when the total mass
M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate reaches the target mass
M.sub.d1 of the submergence aggregate at an end of throwing the
fine aggregate A, during throwing the fine aggregate A, throwing
the fine aggregate A is terminated.
[0706] Subsequently, total volume V.sub.f1 of the submergence
aggregate is measured (step 1604). The total volume V.sub.f1 of the
submergence aggregate can be measured with, for example, means for
measuring a water level of the submergence aggregate, more
specifically, an electrode type displacement sensor.
[0707] Then, mass M.sub.a1 of the fine aggregate A in a saturated
surface-dried condition is calculated by substituting the total
mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate and the total volume
V.sub.f1 thereof into the following formula (step 1605).
M.sub.a1=.rho..sub.a1(M.sub.f1-.rho..sub.wV.sub.f1)/(.rho..sub.a1-.rho..s-
ub.w) (32) where .rho..sub.a1 is the density of the fine aggregate
A in the saturated surface-dried condition and .rho..sub.w is the
density of the water.
[0708] Subsequently, in the same manner as for the fine aggregate
A, the fine aggregate B is thrown into the measurement tank so that
it is submerged in the water so as to be submergence aggregate
(step 1606). Then, the total mass M.sub.f2 of the submergence
aggregate is measured (step 1607). When measuring the total mass
M.sub.f2 of the submergence aggregate, the aggregate B is thrown
into the measurement tank at a predetermined speed continuously or
intermittently while measuring the total mass M.sub.f2 of the
submergence aggregate in real time or at predetermined time
intervals in the same manner as for the fine aggregate A.
Thereafter, when the total mass M.sub.f2 of the submergence
aggregate reaches the target mass M.sub.d2 of the submergence
aggregate at an end of throwing the fine aggregate B during
throwing the fine aggregate B, throwing the fine aggregate B is
terminated.
[0709] Subsequently, total volume V.sub.f2 of the submergence
aggregate is measured (step 1608). The total volume V.sub.f2 of the
submergence aggregate can be measured with, for example, means for
measuring a water level of the submergence aggregate, more
specifically, an electrode-type displacement sensor.
[0710] The electrode-type displacement sensor is configured so as
to measure a water level of the submergence aggregate by monitoring
a change in an energized condition when a lower end of typically,
for example, a detection electrode contacts a water surface of the
submergence aggregate.
[0711] Then, mass M.sub.a2 of the fine aggregate B in a saturated
surface-dried condition and mass M.sub.w of the water are
calculated by substituting the total mass M.sub.f2 of the
submergence aggregate and the total volume V.sub.f2 thereof into
the following formulas (step 1609). .times. M a .times. .times. 2 =
.rho. a .times. .times. 2 .times. .times. ( ( M f .times. .times. 2
- M ai .times. .times. ( i = 1 , 2 ) ) - .rho. w .times. .times. (
V f .times. .times. 2 - ( M ai / .rho. ai ) .times. .times. ( i = 1
, 2 ) ) ) / ( .rho. a .times. .times. 2 - .rho. w ) ( 34 ) M w =
.rho. w .times. .times. ( .rho. a .times. .times. 2 .times. .times.
( V f .times. .times. 2 - ( M ai / .rho. ai ) .times. .times. ( i =
1 , 2 ) ) - ( M f .times. .times. 2 - M .times. ai .times. .times.
( i = 1 , 2 ) ) ) / ( .rho. a .times. .times. 2 - .rho. w ) ( 35 )
##EQU3## where .rho..sub.a1 is the density of the fine aggregate A
in the saturated surface-dried condition, .rho..sub.a2 is the
density of the fine aggregate B in the saturated surface-dried
condition, and .rho..sub.w is the density of the water.
[0712] After measuring the fine aggregates A and B and the water as
mentioned above, measurement results are compared with an initial
field mix set according to a specified mix and then the field mix
is corrected (step 1610).
[0713] In other words, the measured mass of the aggregate is
compared with the mass of aggregate of an initially set field mix.
Calculation is then made on a ratio of the measured total mass of
the fine aggregates A and B in the saturated surface-dried
condition to the preset total mass of the fine aggregates A and B
in the saturated surface-dried condition. If it is 0.9, for
example, the measured mass of the fine aggregates A and B is 10%
less, and therefore, there is a need for decreasing the mixing
volume N.sub.0 of one batch by 10% so as to be 0.9N.sub.0.
Accordingly, also regarding other concrete-forming materials such
as cement and admixture, the initial field mix is corrected by
using a corresponding ratio for measurement. Furthermore, regarding
the water, an initially set amount of water is compared with a
measured amount of water. Then, required water is added as
secondary water or excess water is discharged. Thereafter, the
concrete-forming materials are thrown into a kneading mixer for
mixing.
[0714] As set forth hereinabove, according to the measuring method
for concrete-forming materials of this embodiment, the surface
water of the fine aggregates A and B can be indirectly calculated
as a part of the mass M.sub.w of the water, even if a fine
aggregate whose moisture state is not uniform is used, and the mass
of the fine aggregate can be calculated as the mass M.sub.ai (i=1,
2) of the aggregates A and B in the saturated surface-dried
condition. In other words, since the mass of the fine aggregates
and the mass of the water are calculated on conditions equivalent
to the specified mix, even if a humidity grade of the fine
aggregate is not fixed at every measurement, it becomes possible to
make concrete as shown by the specified mix.
[0715] Furthermore, the fine aggregates A and B are thrown into the
measurement tank at a predetermined speed continuously or
intermittently while measuring the total mass M.sub.fi (i=1, 2) of
the submergence aggregate in real time or at predetermined time
intervals, and throwing the fine aggregates is terminated when the
total masses M.sub.f1 and M.sub.f2 of the submergence aggregate
reaches the target masses M.sub.d1 and M.sub.d2, respectively,
during throwing the fine aggregates A and B into the measurement
tank. Thereby, it becomes possible to manage inputs of the fine
aggregates A and B accurately and to correct the field mix, which
results in making concrete as shown by the specified mix.
[0716] Furthermore, even if the plurality of fine aggregates differ
from each other in density, grading, or the like, they can be
measured in a single measurement tank efficiently and very
accurately while calculating an effect of surface water caused by a
difference in a moisture state as a part of the final amount of
water.
[0717] The following should be noted though it has not been
particularly mentioned in this embodiment. Mass M.sub.I of water
supplied to the measurement tank and mass M.sub.O of water
discharged from the measurement tank are measured as accumulation
values. .SIGMA.M.sub.awj (j=1 to i) is calculated by substituting
the mass M.sub.I of water supplied to the measurement tank, the
mass M.sub.O of water discharged from the measurement tank, and the
total mass M.sub.fi (i=1, 2) of the submergence aggregate into the
following formula. .SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to
i)=M.sub.fi-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (14) Thereafter, the following
formula is calculated. .SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to
i)-.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to (i-1)) (15) M.sub.awi is then
substituted into the following formula.
(M.sub.awi-M.sub.ai)/M.sub.ai (13) Thereby, percentages of surface
moisture of the fine aggregates A and B can be calculated and they
can be used as setting values for a subsequent measurement.
[0718] Furthermore, the following should be noted though it has not
been particularly mentioned in this embodiment. If V.sub.fi(i=1,
2)(1-a/100) is used instead of V.sub.fi (i=1, 2) assuming that a
(%) is air content of the submergence aggregate, more accurate
measurement is achieved with the air content considered.
[0719] Still further, the following should be noted though it has
not been particularly mentioned in this embodiment. If there is a
possibility that the aggregates thrown into the measurement tank
will emerge from the water and will not be submergence aggregate, a
vibrator is lowered during or after throwing the fine aggregates A
and B and operated in this condition. Thereby, the fine aggregates
A and B thrown into the measurement tank can be leveled by
vibration of the vibrator, so that the fine aggregates are
submerged in the water. Before measuring a mass of the submergence
aggregate, the vibrator is raised and put in a standby state, until
a next measurement, in an upward location.
Fourteenth Embodiment
[0720] Referring to FIGS. 52 and 53, there is shown a flowchart of
a procedure for a measuring method for concrete-forming materials
according to a fourteenth embodiment. The measuring method for
concrete-forming materials according to this embodiment can be
implemented by selecting an appropriate one from the measuring
apparatuses mentioned above.
[0721] As apparent from FIGS. 52 and 53, in the measuring method
for concrete-forming materials according to this embodiment, there
is set up a target mass M.sub.di (i=1, 2) of submergence aggregate
at an end of throwing fine aggregates A and B, first (step
1621).
[0722] During setup of the target mass M.sub.di (i=1, 2), filling
factor F of the submergence aggregate, which is a volume ratio of
fine aggregate in the total volume of water and fine aggregate, is
set up first. Then, a mixing volume N.sub.0 of one batch is set up.
A volume of the fine aggregate is set up on the basis of the
filling factor F of the submergence aggregate and the mixing volume
N.sub.0 of one batch. Subsequently, a target input mass of the fine
aggregates A and B in a saturated surface-dried condition is
determined from a mixture ratio of the fine aggregates A and B and
densities thereof in the saturated surface-dried condition. Then,
amass of water thrown first (primary measurement water) and the
fine aggregate A thrown into the water may be considered to be
target mass M.sub.d1 of the submergence aggregate, and a mass of
the submergence aggregate and the fine aggregate B thrown into the
submergence aggregate may be considered to be target mass M.sub.d2
of the submergence aggregate. When the target mass M.sub.di (i=1,
2) of the submergence aggregate is determined, a correaction after
measurement can be reduced by setting a most appropriate percentage
of surface moisture and including it in the primary measurement
water.
[0723] Subsequently, the fine aggregate A and the water are thrown
into a predetermined measurement tank so that the fine aggregate is
submerged in the water so as to be submergence aggregate (step
1622). When throwing the fine aggregate and the water into the
measurement tank, preferably the water is thrown earlier and the
fine aggregate is thrown later to prevent the submergence aggregate
from being mixed with air bubbles. In addition, if the fine
aggregate is not directly thrown into the measurement tank, but it
is conveyed to the measurement tank by using a vibrating feeder
having an electromagnetic vibrator, for example, it becomes
possible to prevent granulation of the fine aggregate, and thus
prevent air bubble mixing.
[0724] The measurement tank may be formed, for example, in a shape
of a hollow truncated cone so that a bore of the measurement tank
becomes larger in a downward direction. With this, when a
measurement is finished, a free fall of the submergence aggregate
in the measurement tank can be achieved only by opening a bottom
lid without a blockage of submergence aggregate in the measurement
tank even if no vibrating instrument such as a vibrator is used.
Thereafter, the submergence aggregate can be thrown into a kneading
mixer together with cement and coarse aggregate measured
separately.
[0725] Subsequently, the total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence
aggregate is measured (step 1623). The total mass M.sub.f1 of the
submergence aggregate can be measured by subtracting a measurement
value of an empty measurement tank from the mass of the measurement
tank filled with the submergence aggregate. This mass measurement
can be performed with tension-type load cells, for example.
[0726] When measuring total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence
aggregate, the aggregate A is thrown into the measurement tank at a
predetermined speed continuously or intermittently while measuring
the total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate in real time
or at predetermined time intervals. Thereafter, when the total mass
M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate reaches the target mass
M.sub.d1 of the submergence aggregate while excess water is
discharged so that the water level of the submergence aggregate
does not exceed a preset first water level during throwing the fine
aggregate A, throwing the fine aggregate A is terminated.
[0727] The first water level can be preset by causing the water in
the submergence aggregate to overflow the measurement tank at a
predetermined depth or by discharging the water with suction.
[0728] Subsequently, mass M.sub.a1 of the fine aggregate A in the
saturated surface-dried condition is calculated by substituting the
total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate and the total
volume V.sub.f1 thereof calculated for the preset first water level
into the following formula (step 1624).
M.sub.a1=.rho..sub.a1(M.sub.f1-.rho..sub.wV.sub.f1)/(.rho..sub.a1-.rho..s-
ub.w) (32) where .rho..sub.a1 is the density of the fine aggregate
A in the saturated surface-dried condition and .rho..sub.w is the
density of the water.
[0729] On the other hand, if the water level at which the total
mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate reaches the target mass
M.sub.d1 thereof is lower than the preset first water level,
required water is added so that it is equal to the first water
level. Then, the total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate
is measured again and the mass M.sub.a1 of the fine aggregate A in
the saturated surface-dried condition is calculated again (step
1625).
[0730] Subsequently, in the same manner as for the fine aggregate
A, the fine aggregate B is thrown into the measurement tank so that
it is submerged in the water so as to be submergence aggregate
(step 1626). Then, the total mass M.sub.f2 of the submergence
aggregate is measured (step 1627). When measuring the total mass
M.sub.f2 of the submergence aggregate, the fine aggregate B is
thrown into the measurement tank at a predetermined speed
continuously or intermittently while measuring the total mass
M.sub.f2 of the submergence aggregate in real time or at
predetermined time intervals in the same manner as for the fine
aggregate A. Thereafter, when the total mass M.sub.f2 of the
submergence aggregate reaches the target mass M.sub.d2 of the
submergence aggregate while excess water is discharged so that the
water level of the submergence aggregate does not exceed a preset
second water level during throwing the fine aggregate B, throwing
the fine aggregate B is terminated.
[0731] The second water level can also be preset by causing the
water in the submergence aggregate to overflow the measurement tank
at a predetermined depth or by discharging the water with
suction.
[0732] Subsequently, mass M.sub.a2 of the fine aggregate B in a
saturated surface-dried condition and mass M.sub.w of the water are
calculated by substituting the total mass M.sub.f2 of the
submergence aggregate and the total volume V.sub.f2 thereof
calculated for the preset second water level into the following
formulas (step 1628). .times. M a .times. .times. 2 = .rho. a
.times. .times. 2 .times. .times. ( ( M f .times. .times. 2 - M ai
.times. .times. ( i = 1 , 2 ) ) - .rho. w .times. .times. ( V f
.times. .times. 2 - ( M ai / .rho. ai ) .times. .times. ( i = 1 , 2
) ) ) / ( .rho. a .times. .times. 2 - .rho. w ) ( 34 ) M w = .rho.
w .times. .times. ( .rho. a .times. .times. 2 .times. .times. ( V f
.times. .times. 2 - ( M ai / .rho. ai ) .times. .times. ( i = 1 , 2
) ) - ( M f .times. .times. 2 - M .times. ai .times. .times. ( i =
1 , 2 ) ) ) / ( .rho. a .times. .times. 2 - .rho. w ) ( 35 )
##EQU4## where .rho..sub.a1 is the density of the fine aggregate A
in the saturated surface-dried condition, .rho..sub.a2 is the
density of the fine aggregate B in the saturated surface-dried
condition, and .rho..sub.w is the density of the water.
[0733] On the other hand, if the water level at which the total
mass M.sub.f2 of the submergence aggregate reaches the target mass
M.sub.d2 thereof is lower than the preset second water level,
required water is added so that it becomes equal to the second
water level. Then, the total mass M.sub.f2 of the submergence
aggregate is measured again and the mass M.sub.a2 of the fine
aggregate B in the saturated surface-dried condition and the mass
M.sub.w of the water are calculated again (step 1629).
[0734] After measuring the fine aggregates A and B and the water as
mentioned above, these measurement results are compared with an
initial field mix set according to a specified mix and then the
field mix is corrected, if necessary (step 1630).
[0735] In other words, excess water is discharged so that the water
level of the submergence aggregate does not exceed the first and
second water levels. If the total mass M.sub.fi (i=1, 2) of the
submergence aggregate reaches the target mass M.sub.d2 during
discharging the water, the total mass M.sub.fi (i=1, 2) of the
submergence aggregate and the total volume V.sub.fi (i=1, 2) of the
submergence aggregate are equal to initial setting values.
Therefore, the field mix need not be corrected and the submergence
aggregate is thrown into the kneading mixer together with other
concrete-forming materials for mixing.
[0736] On the other hand, unless the water level of the submergence
aggregate reaches the first or second water level, required water
is added so that the water level reaches the first or second water
level. Therefore, the total mass M.sub.fi (i=1, 2) of the
submergence aggregate measured again, and thus the masses of the
fine aggregates A and B in the saturated surface-dried condition
derived from the total mass result in values different from the
initial setting values.
[0737] Therefore, if so, in the same manner as for the above
embodiment, the measured masses of the aggregates A and B are
compared with the masses of the aggregates A and B of the initially
set field mix. Calculation is then made on a ratio of the measured
total mass of the fine aggregates A and B in the saturated
surface-dried condition to a preset total mass of the fine
aggregates A and B in the saturated surface-dried condition. If it
is 0.9, for example, the measured mass of the fine aggregates A and
B is 10% less, and therefore, there is a need for decreasing the
mixing volume N.sub.0 of one batch by 10% so as to be 0.9N.sub.0.
Accordingly, also regarding other concrete-forming materials such
as cement and admixture, the initial field mix is corrected by
using a corresponding ratio for measurement. Furthermore, regarding
the water, an initially set amount of water is compared with a
measured amount of water. Then, required water is added as
secondary water or excess water is discharged. Thereafter, the
concrete-forming materials are thrown into the kneading mixer for
mixing.
[0738] As set forth hereinabove, according to the measuring method
for concrete-forming materials of this embodiment, the surface
water of the fine aggregates A and B can be indirectly calculated
as a part of the mass M.sub.w of the water, even if a fine
aggregate whose moisture state is not uniform is used, and the mass
of the aggregate can be calculated as the mass M.sub.ai (i=1 to N)
of the aggregate in the saturated surface-dried condition. In other
words, since the mass of the aggregate and the mass of the water
are calculated on conditions equivalent to the specified mix, even
if a humidity grade of the aggregate is not fixed at every
measurement, it becomes possible to make concrete as shown by the
specified mix.
[0739] Furthermore, according to the measuring method for
concrete-forming materials of this embodiment, if the total mass
M.sub.fi (i=1, 2) of the submergence aggregate reaches the target
mass M.sub.d2 thereof while discharging excess water so that the
water level of the submergence aggregate does not exceed the first
and second water levels, not only the total volume V.sub.fi (i=1,
2) of the submergence aggregate need not be measured, but also the
total mass M.sub.fi (i=1, 2) of the submergence aggregate and the
total volume V.sub.fi (i=1, 2) thereof become equal to initial
setting values. Therefore, the field mix need not be corrected and
the submergence aggregate can be thrown into the kneading mixer
together with other concrete-forming materials for mixing.
[0740] Still further, according to the measuring method for
concrete-forming materials of this embodiment, if the water level
of the submergence aggregate does not reach the preset first or
second water level, required water need be added so that it reaches
the first or second water level, but the total volume V.sub.fi
(i=1, 2) of the submergence aggregate need not be measured in the
same manner as for the above. By measuring the total mass M.sub.fi
(i=1, 2) of the submergence aggregate again, it becomes possible to
manage inputs of the fine aggregates A and B accurately and to
correct the field mix, which results in making concrete as shown by
the specified mix.
[0741] Furthermore, even if the plurality of fine aggregates differ
from each other in density, grading, or the like, they can be
measured in a single measurement tank efficiently and very
accurately while calculating an effect of surface water caused by a
difference in a moisture state as a part of the final amount of
water.
[0742] The following should be noted though it has not been
particularly mentioned in this embodiment. Mass M.sub.I of water
supplied to the measurement tank and mass M.sub.O of water
discharged from the measurement tank are measured as accumulation
values. .SIGMA.M.sub.awj (j=1 to i) is calculated by substituting
the mass M.sub.I of water supplied to the measurement tank, the
mass M.sub.O of water discharged from the measurement tank, and the
total mass M.sub.fi (i=1, 2) of the submergence aggregate into the
following formula. .SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to
i)=M.sub.fi-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (14) Thereafter, the following
formula is calculated. .SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to
i)-.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to (i-1)) (15) M.sub.awi is then
substituted into the following formula.
(M.sub.awi-M.sub.ai)/M.sub.ai (13) Thereby, percentages of surface
moisture of the fine aggregates A and B can be calculated and they
can be used as setting values for a subsequent measurement.
[0743] Furthermore, the following should be noted though it has not
been particularly mentioned in this embodiment. If V.sub.fi (i=1,
2)(1-a/100) is used instead of V.sub.fi (i=1, 2) assuming that a
(%) is the air content of the submergence aggregate, more accurate
measurement is achieved with the air content considered.
[0744] Still further, the following should be noted though it has
not been particularly mentioned in this embodiment. If there is a
possibility that the aggregates thrown into the measurement tank
will emerge from the water and will not be submergence aggregate, a
vibrator is lowered during or after throwing the fine aggregates A
and B and operated in this condition. Thereby, the fine aggregates
A and B thrown into the measurement tank can be leveled by
vibration of the vibrator, so that the fine aggregates are
submerged in the water. Before measuring a mass of the submergence
aggregate, the vibrator is raised and put in a standby state, until
a next measurement, in an upward location.
Fifteenth Embodiment
[0745] The following describes a program for an execution of
measuring and calculating concrete-forming materials according to a
fifteenth embodiment, and a computer-readable recording medium
where the program is recorded.
[0746] Referring to FIGS. 54 and 55, there is shown a flowchart of
a processing procedure of the program for an execution of measuring
and calculating concrete-forming materials according to this
embodiment. Referring to FIG. 56, there is shown a block diagram of
a hardware configuration for executing the program. As apparent
from FIG. 56, a personal computer 301 for processing a program for
an execution of measuring and calculating concrete-forming
materials according to this embodiment comprises a keyboard 302 as
input means, a mouse 303, a memory 304 incorporated in a body of
the personal computer, a processing unit 305 for performing various
kinds of arithmetic processing, a hard disk 306 as storage means
for storing input data or a result of processing, a display 307 for
displaying a setting input screen or a result of processing, and a
printer 308 for printing setting values and a result of
processing.
[0747] The program for an execution of measuring and calculating
concrete-forming materials according to this embodiment may be
previously recorded into a computer-readable recording medium such
as, for example, the hard disk 306, a CD-ROM not shown, an MO disk,
a CDR or the like, and may be loaded into the memory 304 in the
personal computer 301 for executing the program.
[0748] In the program for an execution of measuring and calculating
concrete materials according to this embodiment, an input operation
is performed first via the keyboard 302 or the mouse 303 by
entering target mass M.sub.di (i=1, 2) of submergence aggregate at
an end of throwing fine aggregates A and B, densities .rho..sub.a1
and .rho..sub.a2 of the fine aggregates A and B in a saturated
surface-dried condition, and density .rho..sub.w of water, and
these values are stored in the hard disk 306 (step 1631).
[0749] During setup of the target mass M.sub.di (i=1, 2), filling
factor F of the submergence aggregate, which is a volume ratio of
fine aggregate in the total volume of water and fine aggregate, is
set up first. Then, mixing volume N.sub.0 of one batch is set up. A
volume of the fine aggregate is set up on the basis of the filling
factor F of the submergence aggregate and the mixing volume N.sub.0
of one batch. Subsequently, a target input mass of the fine
aggregates A and B in a saturated surface-dried condition is
determined from a mixture ratio of the fine aggregates A and B and
densities thereof in the saturated surface-dried condition. Then,
amass of water thrown first (primary measurement water) and the
fine aggregate A thrown into the water may be considered to be
target mass M.sub.d1 of the submergence aggregate, and a mass of
the submergence aggregate and the fine aggregate B thrown into the
submergence aggregate may be considered to be target mass M.sub.d2
of the submergence aggregate.
[0750] An input operation should be appropriately performed, if
necessary, by entering a percentage of surface moisture of fine
aggregate obtained by the previous measurement, presence or absence
of compaction with vibration at measurement, physical-properties
values of various materials, a mixing volume of one batch, a
percentage of surface moisture of coarse aggregate, and other data
related to a specified mix and a field mix. By entering the
percentages of surface moisture obtained by the previous
measurement as initial values as mentioned above, a correaction can
be reduced after measurement.
[0751] Subsequently, the fine aggregate A and the water are thrown
into a predetermined measurement tank so that the fine aggregate is
submerged in the water so as to be submergence aggregate (step
1632). When throwing the fine aggregate and the water into the
measurement tank, preferably the water is thrown earlier and the
fine aggregate is thrown later to prevent the submergence aggregate
from being mixed with air bubbles. In addition, if the fine
aggregate is not directly thrown into the measurement tank, but it
is conveyed to the measurement tank by using a vibrating feeder
having an electromagnetic vibrator, for example, it becomes
possible to prevent granulation of the fine aggregate, and thus
prevent air bubble mixing.
[0752] The measurement tank may be formed, for example, in a shape
of a hollow truncated cone so that a bore of the measurement tank
becomes larger in a downward direction. With this, when the
measurement is finished, a free fall of the submergence aggregate
in the measurement tank can be achieved only by opening a bottom
lid without a blockage of submergence aggregate in the measurement
tank even if no vibrating instrument such as a vibrator is used.
Thereafter, the submergence aggregate can be thrown into a kneading
mixer together with cement and coarse aggregate measured
separately.
[0753] Subsequently, the total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence
aggregate is measured (step 1633). The total mass M.sub.f1 of the
submergence aggregate can be measured by subtracting a measurement
value of an empty measurement tank from the mass of the measurement
tank filled with the submergence aggregate. This mass measurement
can be performed with tension-type load cells, for example. The
measured total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate is
preferably written onto the hard disk 306, if necessary.
[0754] When measuring total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence
aggregate, the fine aggregate A is thrown into the measurement tank
at a predetermined speed continuously or intermittently while
measuring the total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate in
real time or at predetermined time intervals. Thereafter, when the
total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate reaches the target
mass M.sub.d1 of the submergence aggregate at an end of throwing
the fine aggregate A, during throwing the fine aggregate A,
throwing the fine aggregate A is terminated.
[0755] Subsequently, the total volume V.sub.f1 of the submergence
aggregate is measured (step 1634). The total volume V.sub.f1 of the
submergence aggregate may be measured by using the electrode-type
displacement sensor mentioned above. The measured total volume
V.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate is preferably written onto
the hard disk 306, if necessary.
[0756] Then, the density .rho..sub.a1 of the fine aggregate A in
the saturated surface-dried condition and the density .rho..sub.w
of the water previously stored on the hard disk 306 are read from
the hard disk (step 1635).
[0757] Subsequently, the processing unit 305 is operated to
calculate the mass M.sub.a1 of the fine aggregate A in the
saturated surface-dried condition by substituting the total mass
M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate and the total volume V.sub.f1
thereof into the following formula.
M.sub.a1=.rho..sub.a1(M.sub.f1-.rho..sub.wV.sub.f1)/(.rho..sub.-
a1-.rho..sub.w) (32) where .rho..sub.a1 is a read-out density of
the fine aggregate A in the saturated surface-dried condition and
.rho..sub.w is a read-out density of the water. In addition, a
result of this calculation is stored on the hard disk 306 (step
1636).
[0758] Subsequently, in the same manner as for the fine aggregate
A, the fine aggregate B is thrown into the measurement tank so that
it is submerged in the water so as to be submergence aggregate
(step 1637). Then, the total mass M.sub.f2 of the submergence
aggregate is measured (step 1638). When measuring the total mass
M.sub.f2 of the submergence aggregate, the aggregate B is thrown
into the measurement tank at a predetermined speed continuously or
intermittently while measuring the total mass M.sub.f2 of the
submergence aggregate in real time or at predetermined time
intervals in the same manner as for the fine aggregate A.
Thereafter, when the total mass M.sub.f2 of the submergence
aggregate reaches the target mass M.sub.d2 of the submergence
aggregate at an end of throwing the fine aggregate B, during
throwing the fine aggregate B, throwing the fine aggregate B is
terminated. The measured total mass M.sub.f2 of the submergence
aggregate is preferably written onto the hard disk 306, if
necessary.
[0759] Subsequently, total volume V.sub.f2 of the submergence
aggregate is measured (step 1639). The total volume V.sub.f2 of the
submergence aggregate can be measured with, for example, an
electrode-type displacement sensor mentioned above.
[0760] Then, the density .rho..sub.a1 of the fine aggregate A in
the saturated surface-dried condition, the density .rho..sub.a2 of
the fine aggregate B in the saturated surface-dried condition, and
the density .rho..sub.w of the water previously stored on the hard
disk 306 are read from the hard disk (step 1640).
[0761] Then, mass M.sub.a2 of the fine aggregate B in the saturated
surface-dried condition and mass M.sub.w of the water are
calculated with processing unit 305 by substituting the total mass
M.sub.f2 of the submergence aggregate and the total volume V.sub.f2
thereof into the following formulas. .times. M a .times. .times. 2
= .rho. a .times. .times. 2 .times. .times. ( ( M f .times. .times.
2 - M ai .times. .times. ( i = 1 , 2 ) ) - .rho. w .times. .times.
( V f .times. .times. 2 - ( M ai / .rho. ai ) .times. .times. ( i =
1 , 2 ) ) ) / ( .rho. a .times. .times. 2 - .rho. w ) ( 34 ) M w =
.rho. w .times. .times. ( .rho. a .times. .times. 2 .times. .times.
( V f .times. .times. 2 - ( M ai / .rho. ai ) .times. .times. ( i =
1 , 2 ) ) - ( M f .times. .times. 2 - M .times. ai .times. .times.
( i = 1 , 2 ) ) ) / ( .rho. a .times. .times. 2 - .rho. w ) ( 35 )
##EQU5## where .rho..sub.a1 is a read-out density of the fine
aggregate A in the saturated surface-dried condition, .rho..sub.a2
is a read-out density of the fine aggregate B in the saturated
surface-dried condition, and .rho..sub.w is a read-out density of
the water. In addition, a result of this calculation is stored on
the hard disk 306 (step 1641).
[0762] After measuring the fine aggregates A and B and the water as
mentioned above, these measurement results are compared with an
initial field mix set according to a specified mix, and then the
field mix is corrected (step 1642).
[0763] In other words, the measured mass of the aggregate is
compared with the mass of aggregate of an initially set field mix.
Calculation is then made on a ratio of the measured total mass of
the fine aggregates A and B in the saturated surface-dried
condition to the preset total mass of the fine aggregates A and B
in the saturated surface-dried condition. If it is 0.9, for
example, the measured mass of the fine aggregates A and B is 10%
less, and therefore, there is a need for decreasing the mixing
volume N.sub.0 of one batch by 10% so as to be 0.9N.sub.0.
Accordingly, also regarding other concrete-forming materials such
as cement and admixture, the initial field mix is corrected by
using a corresponding ratio for measurement. Furthermore, regarding
the water, an initially set amount of water is compared with a
measured amount of water. Then, required water is added as
secondary water or excess water is discharged. Thereafter, the
concrete-forming materials are thrown into a kneading mixer for
mixing.
[0764] As set forth hereinabove, according to the program for an
execution of measuring and calculating concrete-forming materials
of this embodiment, surface water of the fine aggregates A and B
can be indirectly calculated as a part of the mass M.sub.w of the
water, even if a fine aggregate whose moisture state is not uniform
is used, and the mass of the fine aggregate can be calculated as
the mass M.sub.ai (i=1, 2) of the aggregates A and B in the
saturated surface-dried condition. In other words, since the mass
of the fine aggregates and the mass of the water are calculated on
conditions equivalent to the specified mix, even if a humidity
grade of the fine aggregate is not fixed at every measurement, it
becomes possible to make concrete as shown by the specified
mix.
[0765] Furthermore, the fine aggregates A and B are thrown into the
measurement tank at a predetermined speed continuously or
intermittently while measuring the total mass M.sub.fi (i=1, 2) of
the submergence aggregate in real time or at predetermined time
intervals, and throwing the fine aggregates A and B are terminated
when the total masses M.sub.f1 and M.sub.f2 of the submergence
aggregate reach the target masses M.sub.d1 and M.sub.d2 thereof,
respectively, during throwing the fine aggregates A and B into the
measurement tank. Thereby, it becomes possible to manage inputs of
the fine aggregates A and B accurately and to correct the field
mix, which results in making concrete as shown by the specified
mix.
[0766] Furthermore, even if the plurality of fine aggregates differ
from each other in density, grading, or the like, they can be
measured in a single measurement tank efficiently and very
accurately while calculating an effect of surface water caused by a
difference in a moisture state as a part of the final amount of
water.
[0767] The following should be noted though it has not been
particularly mentioned in this embodiment. Mass M.sub.I of water
supplied to the measurement tank and mass M.sub.O of water
discharged from the measurement tank are measured as accumulation
values. In addition, a result of the calculation is stored on the
hard disk 306. Then, .SIGMA.M.sub.awj (j=1 to i) is calculated with
the processing unit 305 by reading the mass M.sub.I of water
supplied to the measurement tank, the mass M.sub.O of water
discharged from the measurement tank, and the total mass M.sub.fi
(i=1, 2) of the submergence aggregate from the hard disk 306 and
substituting them into the following formula. .SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1
to i)=M.sub.fi-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (14) In addition, a result of this
calculation is stored on the hard disk 306. Thereafter, the
following formula is calculated to obtain M.sub.awi.
.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to i)-.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to (i-1)) (15)
M.sub.awi is then substituted into the following formula to obtain
percentages of surface moisture of the fine aggregates A and B with
the processing unit 305. (M.sub.awi-M.sub.ai)/M.sub.ai (13)
Thereby, the percentages of surface moisture can be calculated.
[0768] Furthermore, the following should be noted though it has not
been particularly mentioned in this embodiment. If V.sub.fi (i=1,
2)(1-a/100) is used instead of V.sub.fi (i=1, 2) assuming that a
(%) is air content of the submergence aggregate, more accurate
measurement is achieved with the air content considered.
Sixteenth Embodiment
[0769] The following describes a program for an execution of
measuring and calculating concrete-forming materials according to a
sixteenth embodiment, and a computer-readable recording medium
where the program is recorded.
[0770] Referring to FIGS. 57 and 58, there is shown a flowchart of
a processing procedure of the program for an execution of measuring
and calculating concrete-forming materials according to this
embodiment. It is assumed that the personal computer 301 described
in the fifteenth embodiment is used for executing the program
according to this embodiment and its description is omitted
here.
[0771] The program for an execution of measuring and calculating
concrete-forming materials according to this embodiment may be
previously recorded onto a computer-readable recording medium such
as, for example, a hard disk 306, a CD-ROM not shown, an MO disk, a
CDR or the like and may be loaded into a memory 304 in the personal
computer 301 for executing the program.
[0772] In the program for an execution of measuring and calculating
concrete-forming materials according to this embodiment, an input
operation is performed first via a keyboard 302 or a mouse 303 by
entering target mass M.sub.di (i=1, 2) of submergence aggregate at
an end of throwing fine aggregates A and B, densities pal and
.rho..sub.a2 of the fine aggregates A and B in a saturated
surface-dried condition, and density .rho..sub.w of water, and
these values are stored on the hard disk 306 (step 1641).
[0773] During setup of the target mass M.sub.di (i=1, 2), filling
factor F of the submergence aggregate, which is a volume ratio of
fine aggregate in the total volume of water and fine aggregate, is
set up first. Then, mixing volume N.sub.0 of one batch is set up. A
volume of the fine aggregate is set up on the basis of the filling
factor F of the submergence aggregate and the mixing volume N.sub.0
of one batch. Subsequently, a target input mass of the fine
aggregates A and B in the saturated surface-dried condition is
determined from a mixture ratio of the fine aggregates A and B and
densities thereof in the saturated surface-dried condition. Then,
amass of water thrown first (primary measurement water) and the
fine aggregate A thrown into the water may be considered to be
target mass M.sub.d1 of the submergence aggregate and a mass of the
submergence aggregate and the fine aggregate B thrown into the
submergence aggregate may be considered to be target mass M.sub.d2
of the submergence aggregate.
[0774] An input operation should be appropriately performed, if
necessary, by entering a percentage of surface moisture of fine
aggregate obtained by the previous measurement, presence or absence
of compaction with vibration at measurement, physical-properties
values of various materials, a mixing volume of one batch, a
percentage of surface moisture of coarse aggregate, and other data
related to a specified mix and a field mix. By entering the
percentages of surface moisture obtained by the previous
measurement as initial values as mentioned above, a correaction can
be reduced after measurement.
[0775] Subsequently, the fine aggregate A and the water are thrown
into a predetermined measurement tank so that the fine aggregate is
submerged in the water so as to be submergence aggregate (step
1642). When throwing the fine aggregate and the water into the
measurement tank, preferably the water is thrown earlier and the
fine aggregate is thrown later to prevent the submergence aggregate
from being mixed with air bubbles. In addition, if the fine
aggregate is not directly thrown into the measurement tank, but it
is conveyed to the measurement tank by using a vibrating feeder
having an electromagnetic vibrator, for example, it becomes
possible to prevent granulation of the fine aggregate, and thus
prevent air bubble mixing.
[0776] The measurement tank may be formed, for example, in a shape
of a hollow truncated cone so that a bore of the measurement tank
becomes larger in a downward direction. With this, when a
measurement is finished, a free fall of the submergence aggregate
in the measurement tank can be achieved only by opening a bottom
lid without a blockage of submergence aggregate in the measurement
tank even if no vibrating instrument such as a vibrator is used.
Thereafter, the submergence aggregate can be thrown into a kneading
mixer together with cement and coarse aggregate measured
separately.
[0777] Subsequently, the total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence
aggregate is measured (step 1643). The total mass M.sub.f1 of the
submergence aggregate can be measured by subtracting a measurement
value of an empty measurement tank from the mass of the measurement
tank filled with the submergence aggregate. The mass measurement
can be performed with tension-type load cells, for example. The
measured total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate is
preferably written onto the hard disk 306, if necessary.
[0778] When measuring total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence
aggregate, the fine aggregate A is thrown into the measurement tank
at a predetermined speed continuously or intermittently while
measuring the total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate in
real time or at predetermined time intervals. Thereafter, when the
total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate reaches the target
mass M.sub.d1 of the submergence aggregate while excess water is
discharged so that the water level of the submergence aggregate
does not exceed a preset first water level during throwing the fine
aggregate A, throwing the fine aggregate A is terminated.
[0779] The first water level can be preset by causing the water in
the submergence aggregate to overflow the measurement tank at a
predetermined depth or by discharging the water with suction.
[0780] Then, the density .rho..sub.a1 of the fine aggregate A in
the saturated surface-dried condition and the density .rho..sub.w
of the water previously stored on the hard disk 306 are read from
the hard disk (step 1644).
[0781] Subsequently, the processing unit 305 is operated to
calculate the mass M.sub.a1 of the fine aggregate A in the
saturated surface-dried condition by substituting the total mass
M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate and the total volume V.sub.f1
thereof into the following formula.
M.sub.a1=.rho..sub.a1(M.sub.f1-.rho..sub.wV.sub.f1)/(.rho..sub.-
a1-.rho..sub.w) (32) where .rho..sub.a1 is a read-out density of
the fine aggregate A in the saturated surface-dried condition and
.rho..sub.w is a read-out density of the water. In addition, a
result of this calculation is stored on the hard disk 306 (step
1645).
[0782] On the other hand, if the water level at which the total
mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate reaches the target mass
M.sub.d1 thereof is lower than the preset first water level,
required water is added so that it is equal to the first water
level. Then, the total mass M.sub.f1 of the submergence aggregate
is measured again and the mass M.sub.a1 of the fine aggregate A in
the saturated surface-dried condition is calculated again (step
1646).
[0783] Subsequently, in the same manner as for the fine aggregate
A, the fine aggregate B is thrown into the measurement tank so that
it is submerged in the water so as to be submergence aggregate
(step 1647). Then, the total mass M.sub.f2 of the submergence
aggregate is measured (step 1648). When measuring the total mass
M.sub.f2 of the submergence aggregate, the aggregate B is thrown
into the measurement tank at a predetermined speed continuously or
intermittently while measuring the total mass M.sub.f2 of the
submergence aggregate in real time or at predetermined time
intervals in the same manner as for the fine aggregate A.
Thereafter, when the total mass M.sub.f2 of the submergence
aggregate reaches the target mass M.sub.d2 of the submergence
aggregate while excess water is discharged so that the water level
of the submergence aggregate does not exceed a preset second water
level during throwing the fine aggregate B, throwing the fine
aggregate B is terminated. The measured total mass M.sub.f2 of the
submergence aggregate is preferably written onto the hard disk 306,
if necessary.
[0784] The second water level can also be preset by causing the
water in the submergence aggregate to overflow the measurement tank
at a predetermined depth or by discharging the water with
suction.
[0785] Then, the density .rho..sub.a1 of the fine aggregate A in
the saturated surface-dried condition, the density .rho..sub.a2 of
the fine aggregate B in the saturated surface-dried condition, and
the density .rho..sub.w of the water previously stored on the hard
disk 306 are read from the hard disk (step 1649).
[0786] Then, mass M.sub.a2 of the fine aggregate B in the saturated
surface-dried condition and mass M.sub.w of the water are
calculated with the processing unit 305 by substituting the total
mass M.sub.f2 of the submergence aggregate and the total volume
V.sub.f2 thereof into the following formulas. .times. M a .times.
.times. 2 = .rho. a .times. .times. 2 .times. .times. ( ( M f
.times. .times. 2 - M ai .times. .times. ( i = 1 , 2 ) ) - .rho. w
.times. .times. ( V f .times. .times. 2 - ( M ai / .rho. ai )
.times. .times. ( i = 1 , 2 ) ) ) / ( .rho. a .times. .times. 2 -
.rho. w ) ( 34 ) M w = .rho. w .times. .times. ( .rho. a .times.
.times. 2 .times. .times. ( V f .times. .times. 2 - ( M ai / .rho.
ai ) .times. .times. ( i = 1 , 2 ) ) - ( M f .times. .times. 2 - M
.times. ai .times. .times. ( i = 1 , 2 ) ) ) / ( .rho. a .times.
.times. 2 - .rho. w ) ( 35 ) ##EQU6## where .rho.a1 is a read-out
density of the fine aggregate A in the saturated surface-dried
condition, .rho..sub.a2 is a read-out density of the fine aggregate
B in the saturated surface-dried condition, and .rho..sub.w is a
read-out density of the water. In addition, a result of this
calculation is stored on the hard disk 306 (step 1650).
[0787] On the other hand, if the water level at which the total
mass M.sub.f2 of the submergence aggregate reaches the target mass
M.sub.d2 thereof is lower than the preset second water level,
required water is added so that it is equal to the second water
level. Then, the total mass M.sub.f2 of the submergence aggregate
is measured again and the mass M.sub.a2 of the fine aggregate B in
the saturated surface-dried condition and the mass M.sub.w of the
water are calculated again (step 1651).
[0788] After measuring the fine aggregates A and B and the water as
mentioned above, these measurement results are compared with an
initial field mix set according to the specified mix and then the
field mix is corrected, if necessary (step 1652).
[0789] In other words, if the total mass M.sub.fi (i=1, 2) of the
submergence aggregate reaches the target mass M.sub.d2 while excess
water is discharged so that the water level of the submergence
aggregate does not exceed the first and second water levels, the
total mass M.sub.fi (i=1, 2) of the submergence aggregate and the
total volume V.sub.fi (i=1, 2) of the submergence aggregate are
equal to initial setting values. Therefore, the field mix need not
be corrected and the submergence aggregate is thrown into the
kneading mixer together with other concrete-forming materials for
mixing.
[0790] On the other hand, unless the water level of the submergence
aggregate reaches the first or second water level, required water
is added so that the water level reaches the first or second water
level. Therefore, the total mass M.sub.fi (i=1, 2) of the
submergence aggregate measured again, i.e. the masses of the fine
aggregates A and B in the saturated surface-dried condition derived
from the total mass, result in values different from the initial
setting values.
[0791] Therefore, if so, in the same manner as for the above
embodiment, the measured masses of the aggregates A and B are
compared with the masses of the aggregates A and B of an initially
set field mix. Calculation is then made on a ratio of the measured
total mass of the fine aggregates A and B in the saturated
surface-dried condition to the preset total mass of the fine
aggregates A and B in the saturated surface-dried condition. If it
is 0.9, for example, the measured mass of the fine aggregates A and
B is 10% less and therefore there is a need for decreasing the
mixing volume N.sub.0 of one batch by 10% so as to be 0.9N.sub.0.
Accordingly, also regarding other concrete-forming materials such
as cement and admixture, the initial field mix is corrected by
using a corresponding ratio for measurement. Furthermore, regarding
the water, an initially set amount of water is compared with a
measured amount of water. Then, required water is added as
secondary water or excess water is discharged. Thereafter, the
concrete-forming materials are thrown into the kneading mixer for
mixing.
[0792] As set forth hereinabove, according to the program for an
execution of measuring and calculating the concrete-forming
materials of this embodiment, surface water of the fine aggregates
A and B can be indirectly calculated as a part of the mass M.sub.w
of the water, even if a fine aggregate whose moisture state is not
uniform is used, and the mass of the aggregate can be calculated as
the mass M.sub.ai (i=1, 2) of the aggregate in the saturated
surface-dried condition. In other words, since the mass of the
aggregate and the mass of the water are calculated on conditions
equivalent to the specified mix, even if a humidity grade of the
aggregate is not fixed at every measurement, it becomes possible to
make concrete as shown by the specified mix.
[0793] Furthermore, according to the program for an execution of
measuring and calculating the concrete-forming materials of this
embodiment, if the total mass M.sub.fi (i=1, 2) of the submergence
aggregate reaches the target mass M.sub.d2 thereof while excess
water is discharged so that the water level of the submergence
aggregate does not exceed the first and second water levels, not
only the total volume V.sub.fi (i=1, 2) of the submergence
aggregate need not be measured, but also the total mass M.sub.fi
(i=1, 2) of the submergence aggregate and the total volume V.sub.fi
(i=1, 2) thereof become equal to the initial setting values.
Therefore, the field mix need not be corrected and the submergence
aggregate can be thrown into the kneading mixer together with other
concrete-forming materials for mixing.
[0794] Still further, according to the program for an execution of
measuring and calculating concrete-forming materials of this
embodiment, if the water level of the submergence aggregate does
not reach the preset first or second water level, required water
need be added so that it reaches the first or second water level,
but the total volume V.sub.fi (i=1, 2) of the submergence aggregate
need not be measured in the same manner as for the above. By
measuring the total mass M.sub.fi (i=1, 2) of the submergence
aggregate again, it becomes possible to manage inputs of the fine
aggregates A and B accurately and to correct the field mix, which
results in making concrete as shown by the specified mix.
[0795] Furthermore, even if the plurality of fine aggregates differ
from each other in density, grading, or the like, they can be
measured in a single measurement tank efficiently and very
accurately while calculating an effect of surface water caused by a
difference in a moisture state as a part of the final amount of
water.
[0796] The following should be noted though it has not been
particularly mentioned in this embodiment. Mass M.sub.I of water
supplied to the measurement tank and mass M.sub.O of water
discharged from the measurement tank are measured as accumulation
values. In addition, a result of this calculation is stored on the
hard disk 306. Then, .SIGMA.M.sub.awj (j=1 to i) is calculated with
the processing unit 305 by reading the mass M.sub.I of water
supplied to the measurement tank, the mass M.sub.O of water
discharged from the measurement tank, and the total mass M.sub.fi
(i=1, 2) of the submergence aggregate from the hard disk 306 and
substituting these values into the following formula.
.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to i)=M.sub.fi-(M.sub.I-M.sub.O) (14) In
addition, a result of this calculation is stored on the hard disk
306. Thereafter, the following formula is calculated to obtain
M.sub.awi. .SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to i)-.SIGMA.M.sub.awj(j=1 to
(i-1)) (15) M.sub.awi is then substituted into the following
formula to obtain percentages of surface moisture of the fine
aggregates A and B with the processing unit 305.
(M.sub.awi-M.sub.ai)/M.sub.ai (13) Thereby, the percentages of
surface moisture can be calculated.
[0797] Furthermore, the following should be noted though it has not
been particularly mentioned in this embodiment. If V.sub.fi (i=1,
2)(1-a/100) is used instead of V.sub.fi (i=1, 2) assuming that a
(%) is air content of the submergence aggregate, more accurate
measurement is achieved with the air content considered.
Seventeenth Embodiment
[0798] Referring to FIG. 59, there is shown a general view of a
discharge mechanism 421 of a measurement container with a measuring
apparatus 401 to which the discharge mechanism is applied.
Referring to FIG. 60, there is shown a sectional view taken along
line I-I in FIG. 59.
[0799] First, the measuring apparatus 401 to which the discharge
mechanism 421 of the measurement container is applied according to
a seventeenth embodiment comprises a water storage hopper 102 for
storing water, a fine aggregate storage hopper 103 for storing fine
aggregate as aggregate, a measurement container 111 for containing
water and fine aggregate supplied from the water storage hopper 102
and the fine aggregate storage hopper 103 as submergence aggregate,
respectively, load cells 108 for measuring a mass of submergence
aggregate in the measurement container, and an electrode-type
displacement sensor 412 for measuring a water level in the
measurement container 111. The water storage hopper 102 forms means
for supplying water in conjunction with a water feed pipe 105
connected to the water storage hopper 102 at a bottom thereof and
whose discharge opening is located above the measurement container
111, and a closing valve 106 arranged in a predetermined position
of the water feed pipe 105. The fine aggregate storage hopper 103
forms means for feeding aggregate in conjunction with a fine
aggregate feed pipe 107 whose discharge opening is located above
the measurement container 111.
[0800] The measurement container 111 comprises a body of the
container 104 and a bottom lid 109 attachable so as to be free to
open or close at a bottom opening 115 of the body of the container.
The body of the container 104 is formed in a shape of a hollow
truncated cone so that a bore of the container becomes larger in a
downward direction. With this, when a measurement is finished, a
free fall of the submergence aggregate in the container can be
achieved only by opening the bottom lid 109 without a blockage of
submergence aggregate in the container even if no vibrating
instrument such as a vibrator is used. Thereafter, the submergence
aggregate can be thrown into a kneading mixer, which is not shown,
together with cement and coarse aggregate measured separately. At
abutting portions of the bottom lid 109 and the bottom opening 115
of the body of the container 104, sealing members, which are not
shown, are appropriately attached so that watertightness is secured
between the bottom lid 109 and the body of the container 104 when
the bottom lid 109 is closed.
[0801] A volume of the measurement container 111 is arbitrary. The
volume may be made in agreement with a total amount required for a
unit of concrete mixing, i.e., one batch. Otherwise, the volume can
be divided into some amounts for measurement.
[0802] The electrode-type displacement sensor 412 is capable of
measuring a water level of submergence aggregate by monitoring a
change in an energized condition when a lower end of a detection
electrode contacts a water surface of the submergence aggregate in
the measurement container 111.
[0803] The water storage hopper 102, the fine aggregate storage
hopper 103, and the load cells 108 are attached to a stand, which
is not shown, and a collar circular ring 116 of the measurement
container 111 is put on the load cells 108 to hold the measurement
container 111 in a suspended condition. Thereby, the mass of the
measurement container 111 can be measured with the load cells 108.
The load cells 108 are preferably placed, for example, in three
places at 120.degree. intervals on the same level surface so that
the measurement container 111 can be held stably in a suspended
condition during measurement.
[0804] On the other hand, the discharge mechanism 421 of the
measurement container according to this embodiment causes the
measurement container 111 to contain fine aggregate as submergence
aggregate with water when the bottom lid 109 is closed to measure
the submergence aggregate, and causes the submergence aggregate to
be discharged from below when this measurement is finished by
opening the bottom lid 109.
[0805] The bottom lid 109 is made of a circular plate having an
outside diameter substantially equivalent to or slightly larger
than an outside diameter of the bottom opening of the body of the
container 104. Furthermore, a long hole 114 is formed at a tip of
an L-shaped mounting arm 113 provided as an extension from a rim of
the circular plate, and a pin 110 fixed to a stand not shown is
passed through the long hole 114, by which it becomes possible to
rotate the bottom lid 109 around the pin 110 so as to open or close
the bottom opening 115 of the body of the container 104.
Furthermore, in a condition where the bottom lid 109 is closed, the
long hole 114 is oriented vertically, thereby preventing a reaction
force from being generated at the pin 110 by a load of the
measurement container 111. In fixing the bottom lid 109 to the
bottom opening 115 of the body of the container 104, an appropriate
method can be selected out of known methods such as fastening with
a bolt or a clamp.
[0806] In the discharge mechanism 421 of the body of the container,
an air spray nozzle 424 as a gas spray mechanism connected in
communication with an air compressor 422 is fixed to a nozzle
holding part 425 arranged in a standing condition on an L-shaped
mounting arm 113 in the vicinity of the bottom lid 109. In a
condition where the bottom lid 109 is opened, air can be blown
against an upper surface of the bottom lid 109 from a tip of the
air spray nozzle 424.
[0807] In the discharge mechanism 421 of the measurement container
according to this embodiment, the bottom lid 109 is opened to
achieve a free fall of submergence aggregate for discharging it
after measurement of the submergence aggregate is finished.
Thereafter, the air compressor 422 is operated in the condition
where the bottom lid 109 is opened as shown in FIG. 61 to blow air
against the upper surface of the bottom lid 109 from the tip of the
air spray nozzle 424.
[0808] With this, even if fine aggregate is adhering to the upper
surface of the bottom lid 109 at discharging of the submergence
aggregate, the fine aggregate is blown off by the air, thereby
preventing the fine aggregate from being caught between the body of
the container 104 and the bottom lid 109 when the bottom lid 109 is
closed for a subsequent measurement.
[0809] In the discharge mechanism 421 of the measurement container
according to this embodiment, the bottom opening 115 of the body of
the container 104 is closed by the bottom lid 109 to put the inside
of the measurement container 111 in a watertightness condition,
first. The closing valve 106 is opened in the above condition.
Water is then thrown from the water storage hopper 102 to the
measurement container 111 and the fine aggregate stored in the fine
aggregate storage hopper 103 is thrown into the measurement
container 111 so that it is put in the submergence condition to
fill the measurement container 111 with submergence aggregate 431
as shown in FIG. 62. Thereafter, a water level of the submergence
aggregate 431 is measured with the electrode-type displacement
sensor 412, and total volume Vf of the submergence aggregate 431 is
measured from the water level. In addition, total mass Mf of the
submergence aggregate is measured with the load cells 108.
Regarding this measuring method of the submergence aggregate,
however, an arbitrary method can be selected out of the various
measuring methods as mentioned above. Therefore, its detailed
description is omitted here.
[0810] As set forth hereinabove, according to the discharge
mechanism 421 of the measurement container of this embodiment, the
air compressor 422 is operated in the condition where the bottom
lid 109 is opened to blow air against the upper surface of the
bottom lid 109 from the tip of the air spray nozzle 424, so that
fine aggregate is blown off by the air even if it is adhering to
the upper surface of the bottom lid 109 at discharging of the
submergence aggregate. Thereby, there is no possibility of
inclusions of fine aggregate between the body of the container 104
and the bottom lid 109 when the bottom lid 109 is closed for a
subsequent measurement.
[0811] Therefore, it becomes possible to prevent an occurrence of
an error in measurement that may be caused by water leakage from a
clearance gap generated by inclusions of fine aggregate, and to
prevent seal members provided on the body of the container 104 or
on the bottom lid 109 from being damaged.
[0812] While the discharge mechanism of the measurement container
according to the invention is applied to the measuring apparatus
401 as an example in this embodiment, the discharge mechanism of
the measurement container according to the invention is
characterized in that a gas is blown against an upper surface of a
bottom lid from a gas spraying mechanism in a condition where the
bottom lid is opened. Therefore, the discharge mechanism is
applicable to all kinds of measuring apparatuses as well as the
measuring apparatuses mentioned above if only the apparatus is
capable of containing submergence aggregate in a measurement
container or a container having a bottom lid attached so as to be
free to open or close at a bottom opening of a body of the
container.
[0813] Furthermore, while the air compressor 422 is connected in
communication with the air spray nozzle 424 so as to blow air from
the tip of the air spray nozzle 424 by supplying air from the air
compressor with pressure in this embodiment, the invention is not
always limited to air compressor 422, but any configuration is
applicable if only it enables gas supply with pressure. For
example, a bottle of compressed nitrogen can be used instead of the
air compressor 422.
[0814] Still further, while fine aggregate is used as aggregate in
this embodiment, naturally the invention is applicable to coarse
aggregate.
Eighteenth Embodiment
[0815] The following describes another preferable embodiment of a
discharge mechanism of measurement container according to the
preset invention. Like reference characters indicate parts
substantially identical to the discharge mechanism 421 of the
measurement container and the measuring apparatus 401 mentioned
above. Therefore, their description is omitted here.
[0816] Referring to FIGS. 63A and 63B, there is shown a discharge
mechanism 441 of a measurement container according to this
embodiment. As apparent from FIG. 63A, on the assumption that there
is used a measurement container 443 comprising a body of container
104 and a bottom lid 442 attachable so as to be free to open or
close at a bottom opening 115 of the body of the container, the
discharge mechanism 441 of the measurement container according to
this embodiment is configured to contain fine aggregate, which is
aggregate, with water as submergence aggregate in the measurement
container 443 when the bottom lid is closed for measuring the
submergence aggregate and to discharge the submergence aggregate
downward by opening the bottom lid 442 after a measurement is
finished.
[0817] The bottom lid 442 is made of a circular plate having an
outside diameter substantially equivalent to or slightly larger
than an outside diameter of the bottom opening of the body of the
container 104. A protrusion 444 is then provided as an extension
from a rim of the circular plate.
[0818] At this point, a rotational axle 445 is arranged in a
standing condition in a protrusion 444, with the rotational axle
inserted into a hollow of hinge members 446, 446 having a two-stage
structure provided in a protruding condition in a horizontal
direction on a circumferential surface of the body of the container
104 and with the rotational axle 445 clamped at the top by a nut
447. With this constitution, the discharge mechanism 441 of the
measurement container according to this embodiment can rotate the
bottom lid 442 around a vertical axis; in other words, in a plane
to open or close the bottom lid 442 while supporting an empty
weight of the bottom lid 442 by means of a locking action between
the nut 447 and the hinge members 446 in the upper stage.
[0819] In the discharge mechanism 441 of the measurement container
according to this embodiment, after completing measurement of the
submergence aggregate, fall discharge of the submergence aggregate
is performed by opening the bottom lid 442. When being opened, the
bottom lid 442 is not rotated around a horizontal axis, but it is
rotated in a plane and then the aggregate in the measurement
container 443 is dropped and discharged.
[0820] In other words, the bottom lid 442 is moved by a rotation in
the plane toward the body of the container 104, first. Thereafter,
the bottom opening 115 of the body of the container 104 is closed
to put the inside of the measurement container in a watertightness
condition. After measuring the submergence aggregate in this
condition, the bottom lid 442 is rotated in the plane in an
opposite direction and then the submergence aggregate in the
measurement container 443 is dropped downward and thrown into a
kneading mixer.
[0821] A measuring method of the submergence aggregate can be
arbitrarily chosen from various measuring methods as mentioned
above. Therefore, its detailed description is omitted here.
[0822] As set forth hereinabove, according to the discharge
mechanism 441 of the measurement container of this embodiment, the
bottom lid 442 is rotated in the plane, by which there is no need
to secure an opening-and-closing space in a height direction up to
the kneading mixer, but it is only necessary to secure a space in
the plane, while the bottom lid will hang down if it is opened and
therefore an opening-and-closing space of the bottom lid need be
secured by a distance up to the kneading mixer in a conventional
opening-and-closing mechanism.
[0823] Therefore, the bottom opening 115 of the body of the
container 104 can be lowered up to just above an inlet of the
kneading mixer by a distance equivalent to an opening-and-closing
height that has been conventionally indispensable, by which the
submergence aggregate can be thrown into the kneading mixer
reliably after a measurement is finished.
[0824] While the discharge mechanism of the measurement container
according to the present invention is applied to the measuring
apparatus 401 as an example, the discharge mechanism of the
measurement container according to the present invention is
characterized in that the bottom lid is moved in a translational
direction or rotated in the plane to open or close the bottom lid.
Therefore, the discharge mechanism is applicable to all kinds of
measuring apparatuses as well as the measuring apparatuses
mentioned above if only the apparatus is capable of containing
submergence aggregate in a measurement container or a container
having a bottom lid attached so as to be free to open or close a
bottom opening of a body of the container.
[0825] Furthermore, while fine aggregate is used as aggregate in
this embodiment, naturally the invention is applicable to coarse
aggregate.
Nineteenth Embodiment
[0826] The following describes still another preferable embodiment
of a discharge mechanism of a measurement container according to
the preset invention. Like reference characters indicate parts
substantially identical to the discharge mechanism 421 of the
measurement container and the measuring apparatus 401 mentioned
above. Therefore, their description is omitted here.
[0827] Referring to FIG. 64, there is shown a discharge mechanism
451 of a measurement container according to this embodiment. As
apparent from FIG. 64, on the assumption that there is used a
measurement container 443 comprising a body of container 104 and a
bottom lid 442 attachable so as to be free to open or close a
bottom opening 115 of the body of the container, the discharge
mechanism 451 of the measurement container according to this
embodiment is configured to contain fine aggregate, which is
aggregate, with water as submergence aggregate in the measurement
container 443 when the bottom lid is closed for measuring the
submergence aggregate, and to discharge the submergence aggregate
downward by opening the bottom lid 442 after a measurement is
finished.
[0828] The bottom lid 442 is made of a circular plate having an
outside diameter substantially equivalent to or slightly larger
than an outside diameter of the bottom opening of the body of the
container 104. A protrusion 444 is then provided as an extension
from a rim of the circular plate.
[0829] At this point, a rotational axle 445 is arranged in a
standing condition in a protrusion 444, with the rotational axle
inserted into a hollow of hinge members 446, 446 having a two-stage
structure provided in a protruding condition in a horizontal
direction on the circumferential surface of the body of the
container 104, and with the rotational axle 445 clamped at the top
by a nut 447. With this constitution, the discharge mechanism 451
of the measurement container according to this embodiment can
rotate the bottom lid 442 around a vertical axis, in other words,
in a plane to open or close the bottom lid 442 while supporting an
empty weight of the bottom lid 442 by means of a locking action
between the nut 447 and the hinge members 446 in the upper
stage.
[0830] In the discharge mechanism 451 of the body of the container
according to this embodiment, an air spray nozzle 424, as a gas
spraying mechanism connected in communication with an air
compressor 422 via a hose 423, is fixed aside the lower-stage hinge
member 446 provided in a protruding condition in a horizontal
direction from the body of the container 104 in the vicinity of the
bottom lid 442. In a condition where the bottom lid 442 is opened,
air can be blown against an upper surface of the bottom lid 442
from a tip of the air spray nozzle 424.
[0831] In the discharge mechanism 451 of the measurement container
according to this embodiment, after completing measurement of the
submergence aggregate, fall discharge of the submergence aggregate
is performed by opening the bottom lid 442. When being opened, the
bottom lid 442 is not rotated around a horizontal axis, but it is
rotated in a plane and then the aggregate in the measurement
container 443 is dropped and discharged.
[0832] In other words, the bottom lid 442 is moved by a rotation in
the plane toward the body of the container 104, first. Thereafter,
the bottom opening 115 of the body of the container 104 is closed
to put the inside of the measurement container in a watertightness
condition. After measuring the submergence aggregate in this
condition, the bottom lid 442 is rotated in the plane in an
opposite direction and then the submergence aggregate in the
measurement container 443 is dropped downward and thrown into a
kneading mixer.
[0833] Subsequently, the air compressor 422 is operated in a
condition where the bottom lid 442 is opened as shown in FIG. 65A
to blow air against the upper surface of the bottom lid 442 from
the tip of the air spray nozzle 424.
[0834] With this, even if fine aggregate is adhering to the upper
surface of the bottom lid 442 at discharging of the submergence
aggregate, the fine aggregate is blown off by the air, thereby
preventing the fine aggregate from being caught between the body of
the container 104 and the bottom lid 442 when the bottom lid 442 is
closed for a subsequent measurement.
[0835] As set forth hereinabove, according to the discharge
mechanism 451 of the measurement container of this embodiment, the
bottom lid 442 is rotated in the plane, by which there is no need
to secure an opening-and-closing space in a height direction up to
the kneading mixer, but it is only necessary to secure a space in
the plane, while the bottom lid will hang down if it is opened and
therefore an opening-and-closing space of the bottom lid need be
secured by a distance up to the kneading mixer in the conventional
opening-and-closing mechanism.
[0836] Therefore, the bottom opening 115 of the body of the
container 104 can be lowered up to just above an inlet of the
kneading mixer by a distance equivalent to an opening-and-closing
height that has been conventionally indispensable, by which the
submergence aggregate can be thrown into the kneading mixer
reliably after a measurement is finished.
[0837] As set forth hereinabove, according to the discharge
mechanism 451 of the measurement container of this embodiment, the
air compressor 422 is operated in the condition where the bottom
lid 109 is opened to blow air against the upper surface of the
bottom lid 442 from the tip of the air spray nozzle 424, so that
fine aggregate is blown off by the air even if the fine aggregate
is adhering to the upper surface of the bottom lid 442 at
discharging of the submergence aggregate. Thereby, there is no
possibility of inclusions of fine aggregate between the body of the
container 104 and the bottom lid 442 when the bottom lid 442 is
closed for a subsequent measurement.
[0838] Therefore, it becomes possible to prevent an occurrence of
an error in measurement that may be caused by water leakage from a
clearance gap generated by inclusion of fine aggregate, and to
prevent seal members provided on the body of the container 104 or
on the bottom lid 442 from being damaged.
[0839] While the discharge mechanism of the measurement container
according to the invention is applied to the measuring apparatus
401 as an example in this embodiment, the discharge mechanism of
the measurement container according to the invention is
characterized in that the bottom lid is moved in a translational
direction or rotated in a plane to open or close the bottom lid and
in that a gas spraying mechanism is provided in the vicinity of the
bottom lid so as to blow a gas flow against an upper surface of the
bottom lid from the gas spraying mechanism in the condition where
the bottom lid is opened. Therefore, the discharge mechanism is
applicable to all kinds of measuring apparatuses as well as the
measuring apparatuses mentioned above so long as the apparatus is
capable of containing submergence aggregate in a measurement
container or a container having a bottom lid attached so as to be
free to open or close a bottom opening of a body of the
container.
[0840] Furthermore, while fine aggregate is used as aggregate in
this embodiment, naturally the invention is applicable to coarse
aggregate.
Twentieth Embodiment
[0841] Referring to FIG. 66, there is shown a general view of a
measuring apparatus 501 according to a twentieth embodiment. As
apparent from FIG. 66 and FIGS. 67A-67C, a measuring apparatus 501
according to a twentieth embodiment comprises a water storage
hopper 102 for storing water, a fine aggregate storage hopper 103
for storing fine aggregate as aggregate, three measurement
containers 111a, 111b, and 111c for containing water and fine
aggregate supplied from the water storage hopper 102 and the fine
aggregate storage hopper 103 as submergence aggregate,
respectively, load cells 108 as submergence aggregate mass
measurement means for measuring a mass of submergence aggregate in
the measurement containers, an electrode-type displacement sensor
512 as water level measurement means for measuring water levels in
the measurement containers 111a, 111b, and 111c, and a suction unit
517 as water level regulation means for regulating water levels of
the submergence aggregates. The water storage hopper 102 forms
means for supplying water in conjunction with a water feed pipe 105
connected to the water storage hopper 102 at a bottom thereof and
whose discharge opening is located above the measurement containers
111a, 111b, and 111c, and a closing valve 106 arranged in a
predetermined position of the water feed pipe 105. The fine
aggregate storage hopper 103 forms means for feeding aggregate in
conjunction with a fine aggregate feed pipe 107 whose discharge
opening is located above the measurement containers 111a, 111b, and
111c. In FIG. 66, there is shown only the measurement container
111a of the measurement containers for convenience. Other
measurement containers 111b and 111c are shown with the measurement
container 111a in FIGS. 67A-67C.
[0842] As apparent from a cross section shown in FIG. 68, the
measurement container 111a comprises a body of container 104a and a
bottom lid 109a attachable so as to be free to open or close a
bottom opening 115a of the body of the container. The measurement
container is configured so as to contain fine aggregate as
submergence aggregate with water when the bottom lid 109a is closed
to measure the submergence aggregate and causes the submergence
aggregate to be discharged downward by opening the bottom lid 109a
when this measurement is finished. In the same manner as for the
measurement container 111a, each of the measurement containers 111b
and 111c comprises a body of the container 104b or 104c and a
bottom lid 109b or 109c attachable so as to be free to open or
close a bottom opening of the body of the container. Each of the
measurement containers is configured so as to contain fine
aggregate as submergence aggregate with water when the bottom lid
109b or 109c is closed to measure the submergence aggregate, and
causes the submergence aggregate to be discharged downward by
opening the bottom lid 109b or 109c when this measurement is
finished.
[0843] Each of the body of the container 104a, 104b, and 104c is
formed in a shape of a hollow truncated cone so that a bore of the
container becomes larger in a downward direction. With this, when a
measurement is finished, a free fall of the submergence aggregate
in the body of the container can be achieved only by opening the
bottom lid 109a, 109b, or 109c without a blockage of submergence
aggregate in the body of the container even if no vibrating
instrument such as a vibrator is used. Thereafter, the submergence
aggregate can be thrown into a kneading mixer, which is not shown,
together with cement and coarse aggregate measured separately.
[0844] Each of the bottom lid 109a, 109b, and 109c is made of a
circular plate having an outside diameter substantially equivalent
to or slightly larger than an outside diameter of the bottom
opening of the body of the container 104a, 104b, or 104c.
Furthermore, a long hole 114a, 114b, or 114c is formed at a tip of
an L-shaped mounting arm 113a, 113b, or 113c provided as an
extension from a rim of the circular plate and a pin 110 fixed to a
stand not shown is passed through the long hole 114a, 114b, or
114c, by which it becomes possible to rotate the bottom lid 109a,
109b, or 109c around the pin 110 so as to open or close the bottom
opening of the body of the container 104a, 104b, or 104c.
Furthermore, in a condition where the bottom lid 109a, 109b, or
109c is closed, the long hole 114a, 114b, or 114c is oriented
vertically, thereby preventing a reaction force from being
generated at the pin 110 by a load of the measurement container
111a, 111b, or 111c. In fixing the bottom lid 109a to the bottom
opening 115a of the body of the container 104a, an appropriate
method can be selected out of known methods such as fastening with
a bolt or a clamp. The same is equally true of the bottom lids 109b
and 109c.
[0845] The electrode-type displacement sensor 512 is capable of
measuring a water level of submergence aggregate by monitoring a
change in an energized condition when a lower end of a detection
electrode contacts a water surface of the submergence aggregate in
the measurement container 111a, 111b, or 111c by moving the
detection electrode up and down.
[0846] The water storage hopper 102, the fine aggregate storage
hopper 103, and the load cells 108 are attached to a stand, which
is not shown, and collar circular rings 116a, 116b, and 116c of the
measurement containers 111a, 111b, and 111c are put on the load
cells 108 to hold the measurement containers 111a, 111b, and 111c
in a suspended condition. Thereby, the mass of each measurement
container can be measured with the load cells 108. The load cells
108 are preferably placed, for example, in three places at
120.degree. intervals on the same plane so that the measurement
containers 111a, 111b, and 111c can be held stably in a suspended
condition during measurement.
[0847] As apparent from FIGS. 67A-67C, volumes of the measurement
containers 111a, 111b, and 111c differ from each other at the same
depth h.sub.1 that is a normal water level. More specifically, the
measurement container 111a is configured so that the volume at the
normal water level mentioned above matches a volume (hereinafter,
referred to as normal volume) of submergence aggregate necessary
for mixing concrete materials of a given amount determined from a
specification of a kneading mixer, which is not shown. The
measurement container 111b is configured so that the volume at the
normal water level matches a volume corresponding to two-thirds of
the normal volume. Similarly, the measurement container 111c is
configured so that the volume at the normal water level matches a
volume corresponding to one-half of the normal volume.
[0848] It should be noted that the water level at the same depth
h.sub.1 is previously input as a control value into a control unit
(not shown) for driving and controlling the electrode-type
displacement sensor 512.
[0849] The suction unit 517 can be used to suck and remove water in
the measurement containers 111a, 111b, and 111c via a rubber hose
518. In addition, the suction unit is configured to suck and remove
water so that there is always no difference between the measurement
water level of submergence aggregate transmitted from the control
unit of the electrode-type displacement sensor 512 and the normal
water level.
[0850] Measurement of submergence aggregate with the measuring
apparatus 501 for concrete-forming materials according to this
embodiment will be described below, by giving an example of a case
of measuring three kinds of aggregate; submergence aggregate (fine
aggregate A+water A) necessary for mixing concrete materials
corresponding to a given amount of a kneading mixer, submergence
aggregate (fine aggregate B+water B) necessary for mixing concrete
materials corresponding to two-thirds of the given amount of the
kneading mixer, and submergence aggregate (fine aggregate C+water
C) necessary for mixing concrete materials corresponding to
one-half of the given amount of the kneading mixer.
[0851] First, to measure the fine aggregate A and the water A, the
bottom opening 115a of the body of the container 104a is closed by
the bottom lid 109a to put the inside of the measurement container
111a in a watertightness condition. The closing valve 106 is opened
in the above condition. The water A is then thrown from the water
storage hopper 102 to the measurement container 111a and the fine
aggregate A stored in the fine aggregate storage hopper 103 is
thrown into the measurement container 111a so that it is put in a
submergence condition to fill the measurement container 111a with
submergence aggregate 531 as shown in FIG. 69.
[0852] When throwing the fine aggregate A and the water A into the
measurement container 111a, preferably the water A is thrown
earlier and the fine aggregate A is thrown later to prevent the
submergence aggregate 531 from being mixed with air bubbles. In
addition, if the fine aggregate A is not directly thrown into the
measurement container 111a from the fine aggregate storage hopper
103, but it is conveyed from just under the fine aggregate storage
hopper 103 to an upper opening of the measurement container 111a by
using a vibrating feeder having an electromagnetic vibrator, for
example, it becomes possible to prevent granulation of the fine
aggregate, and thus prevent air bubble mixing.
[0853] Subsequently, a water level of the submergence aggregate 531
is measured with the electrode-type displacement sensor 512 to
calculate total volume V.sub.f of the submergence aggregate 531 by
using the water level. When the total volume V.sub.f is calculated,
the suction unit 517 is operated, as needed so that there is always
no difference between the measurement water level of the
submergence aggregate 531 transmitted from the control unit of the
electrode-type displacement sensor 512 and the normal water level,
to suck and remove excess water via the rubber hose 518.
[0854] With this, the water level used for calculating the total
volume V.sub.f of the submergence aggregate 531 is always kept at
the normal water level.
[0855] On the other hand, total mass M.sub.f of the submergence
aggregate 531 is measured with the load cells 108. The total mass
M.sub.f of the submergence aggregate is obtained by subtracting a
mass of an empty measurement container 111a, with the submergence
aggregate 531 not contained therein, from a value measured by the
load cells 108.
[0856] In the following, an appropriate measuring method is
selected from the measuring methods mentioned above and then the
measuring method is used to measure the fine aggregate A and the
water A corresponding to the normal volume.
[0857] After measuring the fine aggregate A and the water A, they
are thrown into the kneading mixer with cement and other
concrete-forming materials for mixing a given amount of
materials.
[0858] Subsequently, the measurement container 111a is detached
once to measure the fine aggregate B and the water B and the
measurement container 111b is mounted on the load cells 108
instead. In the same manner as for the measuring method of the fine
aggregate A and the water A, measurement is then made on the fine
aggregate B and the water B corresponding to two-thirds of the
normal volume. Thereafter, water B and fine aggregate B are thrown
into the kneading mixer with cement and other concrete-forming
materials for mixing two-thirds of the given amount of
materials.
[0859] Subsequently, the measurement container 111b is detached
once to measure the fine aggregate C and the water C, and the
measurement container 111c is mounted on the load cells 108
instead. In the same manner as for the measuring method of the fine
aggregate A and the water A, measurement is then made on the fine
aggregate C and the water C corresponding to one-half of the normal
volume. Thereafter, water C and fine aggregate C are thrown into
the kneading mixer with cement and other concrete-forming materials
for mixing one-half of the given amount of materials.
[0860] As set forth hereinabove, according to the measuring
apparatus 501 for concrete-forming materials of this embodiment,
the normal water level at which the depth is identical is equal to
the measured water level even if any of the measurement containers
111a, 111b, and 111c is used for the measurement. Therefore, an
accuracy of water measurement is identical in any of the
measurement containers 111a, 111b, and 111c. In other words, a
different depth in the water level measurement varies an accuracy
thereof. More specifically, on the assumption that the water level
is measured with an error of .+-.1 mm, for example, the accuracy is
1/1000 if the depth is 1 m, while the accuracy is 1/500 if the
depth is 50 cm.
[0861] On the other hand, according to the measuring apparatus 501
for concrete-forming materials of this embodiment, a measured water
level always matches the normal water level at an identical depth
even if any of the measurement containers 111a, 111b, and 111c is
used for measurement. Therefore, accuracy of a measured water
level, and thus the accuracy of the total volume of submergence
aggregate calculated from the measured water level, can be
identical. Thereby, even if required aggregate amounts are
different from each other, it becomes possible to find a common
accuracy of the total volume, and thus of the aggregate
measurement.
[0862] Furthermore, according to the measuring apparatus 501 for
concrete-forming materials of this embodiment, surface water of
fine aggregate can be indirectly calculated as a part of mass
M.sub.w of water, even if a fine aggregate whose moisture state is
not uniform is used, and the mass of the fine aggregate can be
calculated as mass M.sub.a of the fine aggregate in a saturated
surface-dried condition. In other words, since the mass of the fine
aggregate and the mass of the water are calculated on conditions
equivalent to a specified mix, even if a humidity grade of the fine
aggregate is not fixed at every measurement, it becomes possible to
make concrete as shown by the specified mix.
[0863] While the present invention is applied to measurement of
fine aggregate in this embodiment, it is applicable to measurement
of coarse aggregate instead. If a plurality of aggregates is mixed
as concrete-forming materials, measurement values of the aggregates
often differ from each other. The measuring apparatus according to
the present invention is also applicable to this case.
[0864] Furthermore in this embodiment, for convenience of
description, the volumes of the measurement containers are assumed
to be the given amount, the given amount multiplied by two-thirds,
and the given amount multiplied by one-half of the kneading mixer,
respectively, when the volumes are at the normal water level where
they have the same depth. It is apparent, however, that the volumes
are not limited to the above.
[0865] Still further, while three measurement containers are used
as the plurality of measurement containers in this embodiment, it
is apparent that the number of measurement containers is not
limited to the above.
Twenty-First Embodiment
[0866] Referring to FIG. 70, there is shown a general view of a
measuring apparatus 541 according to a twenty-first embodiment. As
apparent from FIG. 70 and FIGS. 71A-71C, the measuring apparatus
541 according to this embodiment generally comprises a water
storage hopper 102 for storing water, a fine aggregate storage
hopper 103 for storing fine aggregate as aggregate, three
measurement containers 544a, 544b, and 544c for containing water
and fine aggregate supplied from the water storage hopper 102 and
the fine aggregate storage hopper 103 as submergence aggregate,
respectively, and load cells 108 as submergence aggregate mass
measurement means for measuring a mass of submergence aggregate in
the measurement containers. The water storage hopper 102 forms
means for supplying water in conjunction with a water feed pipe 105
connected to the water storage hopper 102 at a bottom thereof and
whose discharge opening is located above the measurement containers
544a, 544b, and 544c, and a closing valve 106 arranged in a
predetermined position of the water feed pipe 105. The fine
aggregate storage hopper 103 forms means for feeding aggregate in
conjunction with a fine aggregate feed pipe 107 whose discharge
opening is located above the measurement containers 544a, 544b, and
544c. In FIG. 70, there is shown only the measurement container
544a of the measurement containers for convenience. Other
measurement containers 544b and 544c are shown with the measurement
container 544a in FIGS. 71A-71C.
[0867] As apparent from a cross section shown in FIG. 72, the
measurement container 544a comprises a body of container 552a and a
bottom lid 109a attachable so as to be free to open or close a
bottom opening 115a of the body of the container. This measurement
container is configured so as to contain fine aggregate as
submergence aggregate with water in a watertightness condition when
the bottom lid 109a is closed to measure the submergence aggregate,
and causes the submergence aggregate to be discharged downward by
opening the bottom lid 109a when this measurement is finished. In
the same manner as for the measurement container 544a, each of the
measurement containers 544b and 544c comprises a body of the
container 552b or 552c and a bottom lid 109b or 109c attachable so
as to be free to open or close a bottom opening of the body of the
container. Each of the measurement containers is configured so as
to contain fine aggregate as submergence aggregate with water when
the bottom lid 109b or 109c is closed to measure the submergence
aggregate and causes the submergence aggregate to bed is charged
downward by opening the bottom lid 109b or 109c when this
measurement is finished.
[0868] Each of the body of the container 552a, 552b, and 552c is
formed in a shape of a hollow truncated cone so that a bore of the
container becomes larger in a downward direction. With this, when
the measurement is finished, a free fall of the submergence
aggregate in the body of the container can be achieved only by
opening the bottom lid 109a, 109b, or 109c without a blockage of
submergence aggregate in the body of the container even if no
vibrating instrument such as a vibrator is used. Thereafter, the
submergence aggregate can be thrown into a kneading mixer, which is
not shown, together with cement and coarse aggregate measured
separately. The bottom lids 109a, 109b, and 109c are the same as
those of the above embodiment. Therefore, their description is
omitted here.
[0869] The water storage hopper 102, the fine aggregate storage
hopper 103, and the load cells 108 are attached to a stand, which
is not shown, and collar circular rings 116a, 116b, and 116c of the
measurement containers 544a, 544b, and 544c are put on the load
cells 108 to hold the measurement containers 544a, 544b, and 544c
in a suspended condition. Thereby, the mass of each measurement
container can be measured with the load cells 108. The load cells
108 are preferably placed, for example, in three places at
120.degree. intervals on the same plane so that the measurement
containers 544a, 544b, and 544c can be held stably in a suspended
condition during measurement.
[0870] At this point, as apparent from FIGS. 70 to 72, a
rectangular opening for overflow 551 is formed in a wall of each
body of the containers 552a, 552b, and 552c so that water of the
submergence aggregate in the measurement containers overflows
outside. In addition, a grooved guide 557 is provided in a
horizontally protruding condition along a lower edge of the opening
for overflow 551. Overflow water flows on the guide and falls from
a tip thereof, thereby enabling water to overflow smoothly from the
opening for overflow 551 without a flow on a circumferential
surface of the measurement containers 544a, 544b, and 544c.
[0871] The openings for overflow 551 are provided so that their
lower edges match a normal water level at the same depth h.sub.2 of
the measurement containers. Therefore, the openings for overflow
function as water level maintaining means for maintaining water
levels of the submergence aggregates in the measurement containers
544a, 544b, and 544c at the normal water level.
[0872] At this point, volumes of the measurement containers 544a,
544b, and 544c differ from each other when the depths are at the
normal water level. More specifically, the measurement container
544a is configured so that the volume at the normal water level in
the above matches a volume (hereinafter, referred to as normal
volume) of submergence aggregate necessary for mixing
concrete-forming materials of a given amount determined from a
specification of a kneading mixer, which is not shown. The
measurement container 544b is configured so that the volume at the
normal water level matches a volume corresponding to two-thirds of
the normal volume. Similarly, the measurement container 544c is
configured so that the volume at the normal water level matches a
volume corresponding to one-half of the normal volume.
[0873] Measurement of submergence aggregate with the measuring
apparatus 541 for concrete-forming materials according to this
embodiment will be described below, by giving an example of a case
of measuring three kinds of aggregate; submergence aggregate (fine
aggregate A+water A) necessary for mixing concrete-forming
materials corresponding to a given amount of the kneading mixer,
submergence aggregate (fine aggregate B+water B) necessary for
mixing concrete-forming materials corresponding to two-thirds of
the given amount of the kneading mixer, and submergence aggregate
(fine aggregate C+water C) necessary for mixing concrete-forming
materials corresponding to one-half of the given amount of the
kneading mixer.
[0874] First, to measure the fine aggregate A and the water A, the
bottom opening 115a of the body of the container 552a is closed by
the bottom lid 109a to put the inside of the measurement container
544a in a watertightness condition. The closing valve 106 is opened
in the above condition. The water A is then thrown from the water
storage hopper 102 into the measurement container 544a and the fine
aggregate A stored in the fine aggregate storage hopper 103 is
thrown into the measurement container 544a so that it is put in a
submergence condition to fill the measurement container 544a with
submergence aggregate 561 as shown in FIG. 73.
[0875] When throwing the fine aggregate A and the water A into the
measurement container 544a, preferably the water A is thrown
earlier and the fine aggregate A is thrown later to prevent the
submergence aggregate 561 from being mixed with air bubbles. In
addition, if the fine aggregate A is not directly thrown into the
measurement container 544a from the fine aggregate storage hopper
103, but it is conveyed from just under the fine aggregate storage
hopper 103 to an upper opening of the measurement container 544a by
using a vibrating feeder having an electromagnetic vibrator, for
example, it becomes possible to prevent granulation of the fine
aggregate, and thus prevent air bubble mixing.
[0876] At this point, apparent from FIG. 73, the measurement
container 544a is filled with the submergence aggregate 561 by
throwing the water A and the fine aggregate A so that the fine
aggregate is submerged in the water and that the water overflows
from the opening for overflow 551.
[0877] With this, the water level at which water 562 overflows from
the opening for overflow 551 is kept to the normal water level.
Therefore, if the measurement container is filled with the
submergence aggregate 561 as mentioned above, the water level used
for calculating total volume V.sub.f of the submergence aggregate
561 is always equal to the normal water level. If the total volume
V.sub.f is measured once at calibration in an initial stage,
subsequent measurements of the total volume can be omitted and the
value can be treated as a known value.
[0878] On the other hand, total mass M.sub.f of the submergence
aggregate 561 is measured with the load cells 108. The total mass
M.sub.f of the submergence aggregate 561 is obtained by subtracting
a mass of empty measurement container 544a with the submergence
aggregate 561 not contained therein from a value measured with the
load cells 108.
[0879] In the following, an appropriate measuring method is
selected out of the measuring methods mentioned above, and then the
measuring method is used to measure the fine aggregate A and the
water A corresponding to the normal volume.
[0880] After measuring the fine aggregate A and the water A, they
are thrown into the kneading mixer with cement and other
concrete-forming materials for mixing the given amount of
materials.
[0881] Subsequently, the measurement container 544a is detached
once to measure the fine aggregate B and the water B, and the
measurement container 544b is mounted on the load cells 108
instead. In the same manner as for the measuring method of the fine
aggregate A and the water A, measurement is then made of the fine
aggregate B and the water B corresponding to two-thirds of the
normal volume. Thereafter, water B and fine aggregate B are thrown
into the kneading mixer with cement and other concrete-forming
materials for mixing two-thirds of the given amount of
materials.
[0882] Subsequently, the measurement container 544b is detached
once to measure the fine aggregate C and the water C, and the
measurement container 544c is mounted on the load cells 108
instead. In the same manner as for the measuring method of the fine
aggregate A and the water A, measurement is then made of the fine
aggregate C and the water C corresponding to one-half of the normal
volume. Thereafter, water C and fine aggregate C are thrown into
the kneading mixer with cement and other concrete-forming materials
for mixing one-half of the given amount of materials.
[0883] As set forth hereinabove, according to the measuring
apparatus 541 for concrete-forming materials of this embodiment,
water overflows from the opening for overflow 551 at the normal
water level at which the depth is identical even if any of the
measurement containers 544a, 544b, and 544c is used for
measurement. Thereby, accuracy of the water level is identical in
any of the measurement containers 544a, 544b, and 544c.
[0884] Therefore, accuracy of the water level, and thus accuracy of
the total volume of submergence aggregate calculated from the water
level, can be identical. Thereby, even if required aggregate
amounts are different from each other, it becomes possible to find
a common accuracy of the total volume, and thus of the aggregate
measurement.
[0885] Furthermore, according to the measuring apparatus 541 for
concrete-forming materials of this embodiment, surface water of
fine aggregate can be indirectly calculated as a part of mass
M.sub.w of water, even if a fine aggregate whose moisture state is
not uniform is used, and the mass of the fine aggregate can be
calculated as mass M.sub.a of the fine aggregate in a saturated
surface-dried condition. In other words, since the mass of the fine
aggregate and the mass of the water are calculated on conditions
equivalent to a specified mix, even if a humidity grade of the fine
aggregate is not fixed at every measurement, it becomes possible to
make concrete as shown by the specified mix.
[0886] While the present invention is applied to measurement of
fine aggregate in this embodiment, it is applicable to measurement
of coarse aggregate instead. If a plurality of aggregates are mixed
as concrete-forming materials, measurement values of the aggregates
often differ from each other. The measuring apparatus according to
the present invention is also applicable to this case.
[0887] Furthermore in this embodiment, for convenience of
description, the volumes of the measurement containers are assumed
to be the given amount, the given amount multiplied by two-thirds,
and the given amount multiplied by one-half of the kneading mixer,
respectively, when the volumes are at the normal water level where
they have the same depth. It is apparent, however, that the volumes
are not limited to the above.
[0888] Still further, while three measurement containers are used
as the plurality of measurement containers in this embodiment, it
is apparent that the number of measurement containers is not
limited to the above.
Twenty-Second Embodiment
[0889] Referring to FIG. 74, there is shown a general view of a
measuring apparatus 571 according to a twenty-second embodiment. As
apparent from FIG. 74 and FIGS. 75A-75C, the measuring apparatus
571 according to this embodiment generally comprises a water
storage hopper 102 for storing water, a fine aggregate measurement
container 577 as an aggregate measurement container for storing
fine aggregate to be measured, three measurement containers 544a,
544b, and 544c for containing water and fine aggregate supplied
from the water storage hopper 102 and the fine aggregate
measurement container 577 as submergence aggregate, respectively,
and load cells 578 as aggregate mass measurement means for
measuring a mass of fine aggregate in the fine aggregate
measurement container 577. The water storage hopper 102 forms means
for supplying water in conjunction with a water feed pipe 105
connected to the water storage hopper 102 at a bottom thereof and
whose discharge opening is located above the measurement containers
544a, 544b, and 544c, a closing valve 106 arranged in a
predetermined position of the water feed pipe 105, and a flowmeter
573 as means for measuring an amount of supplied or discharged
water.
[0890] The fine aggregate measurement container 577 is configured
so as to be provided as needed with fine aggregate from a stock
bin, which is not shown, and is connected at its bottom to a fine
aggregate feed pipe 107 whose discharge opening is located above
the measurement containers 544a, 544b, and 544c.
[0891] In FIG. 74, there is shown only the measurement container
544a of the measurement containers for convenience. Other
measurement containers 544b and 544c are shown with the measurement
container 544a in FIGS. 75A-75C.
[0892] At this point, the water storage hopper 102, the measurement
containers 544a, 544b, and 544c, and the load cells 578 are
attached to a stand, which is not shown, and a collar circular
portion 572 that is attached to an upper-end opening edge of the
fine aggregate measurement container 577 is put on the load cells
578 to hold the measurement container 577 in a suspended condition.
Thereby, the mass of fine aggregate stored in the fine aggregate
measurement container can be measured with the load cells 578. The
load cells 578 are preferably placed, for example, in three places
at 120.degree. intervals on the same plane so that the fine
aggregate measurement container 577 can be held stably in a
suspended condition during measurement.
[0893] As apparent from a cross section shown in FIG. 76, the
measurement container 544a comprises a body of container 552a and a
bottom lid 109a attachable so as to be free to open or close a
bottom opening 115a of the body of the container. This measuring
container is configured so as to contain fine aggregate as
submergence aggregate with water in a watertightness condition when
the bottom lid 109a is closed to measure the submergence aggregate
and causes the submergence aggregate to be discharged downward by
opening the bottom lid 109a when this measurement is finished. In
the same manner as for the measurement container 544a, each of the
measurement containers 544b and 544c comprises a body of the
container 552b or 552c and a bottom lid 109b or 109c attachable so
as to be free to open or close a bottom opening of the body of the
container. Each of the measurement containers is configured so as
to contain fine aggregate as submergence aggregate with water when
the bottom lid 109b or 109c is closed to measure the submergence
aggregate, and causes the submergence aggregate to be discharged
downward by opening the bottom lid 109b or 109c when this
measurement is finished.
[0894] Each of the body of the container 552a, 552b, and 552c is
formed in a shape of a hollow truncated cone so that a bore of the
container becomes larger in a downward direction. With this, when a
measurement is finished, a free fall of the submergence aggregate
in the body of the container can be achieved only by opening the
bottom lid 109a, 109b, or 109c without a blockage of submergence
aggregate in the body of the container even if no vibrating
instrument such as a vibrator is used. Thereafter, the submergence
aggregate can be thrown into a kneading mixer, which is not shown,
together with cement and coarse aggregate measured separately. The
bottom lids 109a, 109b, and 109c are the same as those of the above
embodiment. Therefore, their description is omitted here.
[0895] At this point, as apparent from FIGS. 74 to 77, a
rectangular opening for overflow 551 is formed in a wall of each
body of the containers 552a, 552b, and 552c so that water of the
submergence aggregate in the measurement containers overflows
outside. In addition, a grooved guide 557 is provided in a
horizontally protruding condition along a lower edge of the opening
for overflow 551. Overflow water flows on the guide and falls from
a tip thereof, thereby enabling water to overflow smoothly from the
opening for overflow 551 without a flow on a circumferential
surface of the measurement containers 544a, 544b, and 544c.
[0896] The openings for overflow 551 are provided so that their
lower edges match a normal water level at the same depth h.sub.3 of
the measurement containers. Therefore, the openings for overflow
function as water level maintaining means for maintaining water
levels of the submergence aggregates in the measurement containers
544a, 544b, and 544c at the normal water level.
[0897] At this point, volumes of the measurement containers 544a,
544b, and 544c differ from each other when the depths are at the
normal water level. More specifically, the measurement container
544a is configured so that the volume at the normal water level in
the above matches a volume (hereinafter, referred to as normal
volume) of submergence aggregate necessary for mixing
concrete-forming materials of a given amount determined from a
specification of a kneading mixer, which is not shown. The
measurement container 544b is configured so that the volume at the
normal water level matches a volume corresponding to two-thirds of
the normal volume. Similarly, the measurement container 544c is
configured so that the volume at the normal water level matches a
volume corresponding to one-half of the normal volume.
[0898] On the other hand, as apparent from the cross section shown
in FIG. 76, the measuring apparatus 571 of concrete materials
according to this embodiment further comprises a storage container
574 for storing overflow water overflowing from the opening for
overflow 551 and running down from a tip of the guide 557 and a
massmeter 575 for measuring a mass of overflow water stored in the
storage container. The flowmeter 573 mentioned above can be used to
measure amounts of water thrown into the measurement containers
544a, 544b, and 544c, and the massmeter 575 can be used to measure
amounts of overflow water from the measurement containers 544a,
544b, and 544c.
[0899] Measurement of submergence aggregate with the measuring
apparatus 571 for concrete-forming materials according to this
embodiment will be described below, by giving an example of a case
of measuring three kinds of aggregate; submergence aggregate (fine
aggregate A+water A) necessary for mixing concrete materials
corresponding to a given amount of a kneading mixer, submergence
aggregate (fine aggregate B+water B) necessary for mixing concrete
materials corresponding to two-thirds of the given amount of the
kneading mixer, and submergence aggregate (fine aggregate C+water
C) necessary for mixing concrete materials corresponding to
one-half of the given amount of the kneading mixer.
[0900] To measure the fine aggregate A and the water A, mass
M.sub.aw of the fine aggregate in a wet condition stored in the
fine aggregate measurement container 577 is measured with the load
cells 578, first.
[0901] The mass M.sub.aw of the fine aggregate in a wet condition
in the fine aggregate measurement container 577 is obtained by
subtracting a mass of an empty fine aggregate measurement container
577, containing no fine aggregate, from the value measured by the
load cells 578.
[0902] Subsequently, the bottom opening 115a of the body of the
container 552a is closed by the bottom lid 109a to put the inside
of the measurement container 544a in a watertightness condition.
The closing valve 106 is opened in the above condition. The water A
is then thrown from the water storage hopper 102 into the
measurement container 544a and the fine aggregate A stored in the
fine aggregate measurement container 577 is thrown into the
measurement container 544a so that it is put in a submergence
condition to fill the measurement container 544a with submergence
aggregate 581 as shown in FIG. 77. In addition, mass M.sub.I of
water supplied from the water storage hopper 102 is measured as an
accumulation value with the flowmeter 573. On the other hand, water
overflowing from the opening for overflow 551 is stored once in the
storage container 574 and then mass M.sub.O of overflow water
therefrom is measured as an accumulation value with the massmeter
575.
[0903] When throwing the fine aggregate A and the water A into the
measurement container 544a, preferably the water A is thrown
earlier and the fine aggregate A is thrown later to prevent the
submergence aggregate 581 from being mixed with air bubbles. In
addition, if the fine aggregate A is not directly thrown into the
measurement container 544a from the fine aggregate measurement
container 577, but it is conveyed from just under the fine
aggregate measurement container 577 to an upper opening of the
measurement container 544a by using a vibrating feeder having an
electromagnetic vibrator, for example, it becomes possible to
prevent granulation of the fine aggregate, and thus prevent air
bubble mixing.
[0904] At this point, apparent from FIG. 77, the measurement
container 544a is filled with the submergence aggregate 581 by
throwing the water A and the fine aggregate A so that the fine
aggregate is submerged in the water and that the water overflows
from the opening for overflow 551.
[0905] With this, the water level at which the water 582 overflows
from the opening for overflow 551 is kept at the normal water
level. Therefore, if the measurement container is filled with the
submergence aggregate 581 as mentioned above, the water level used
for calculating total volume V.sub.f of the submergence aggregate
581 is always equal to the normal water level. If the total volume
V.sub.f is measured once at calibration in an initial stage,
subsequent measurements of the total volume can be omitted and the
value can be treated as a known value.
[0906] In the following, an appropriate measuring method is
selected out of the measuring methods mentioned above and then the
measuring method is used to measure the fine aggregate A and the
water A corresponding to the normal volume.
[0907] After measuring the fine aggregate A and the water A, they
are thrown into the kneading mixer with cement and other
concrete-forming materials for mixing a given amount of
materials.
[0908] Subsequently, the measurement container 544a is detached
once to measure the fine aggregate B and the water B and the
measurement container 544b is mounted on the stand instead. In the
same manner as for the measuring method of the fine aggregate A and
the water A, measurement is then made of the fine aggregate B and
the water B corresponding to two-thirds of the normal volume.
Thereafter, water B and fine aggregate B are thrown into the
kneading mixer with cement and other concrete-forming materials for
mixing two-thirds of the given amount of materials.
[0909] Subsequently, the measurement container 544b is detached
once to measure the fine aggregate C and the water C and the
measurement container 544c is mounted on the stand instead. In the
same manner as for the measuring method of the fine aggregate A and
the water A, measurement is then made of the fine aggregate C and
the water C corresponding to one-half of the normal volume.
Thereafter, water C and fine aggregate C are thrown into the
kneading mixer with cement and other concrete-forming materials for
mixing one-half of the given amount of materials.
[0910] As set forth hereinabove, according to the measuring
apparatus 571 for concrete-forming materials of this embodiment,
water overflows from the opening for overflow 551 at the normal
water level at which the depth is identical even if any of the
measurement containers 544a, 544b, and 544c is used for
measurement. Thereby, accuracy of the water level is identical in
any of the measurement containers 544a, 544b, and 544c.
[0911] Therefore, accuracy of the water level, and thus accuracy of
the total volume of submergence aggregate calculated from the water
level, can be identical. Thereby, even if required aggregate
amounts are different from each other, it becomes possible to find
a common accuracy of the total volume, and thus of the aggregate
measurement.
[0912] Furthermore, according to the measuring apparatus 571 for
concrete-forming materials of this embodiment, surface water of
fine aggregate can be indirectly calculated as a part of mass
M.sub.w of water, even if a fine aggregate whose moisture state is
not uniform is used, and the mass of the fine aggregate can be
calculated as mass Ma of the fine aggregate in a saturated
surface-dried condition. In other words, since the mass of the fine
aggregate and the mass of the water are calculated on conditions
equivalent to a specified mix, even if a humidity grade of the fine
aggregate is not fixed at every measurement, it becomes possible to
make concrete as shown by the specified mix.
[0913] While the present invention is applied to measurement of
fine aggregate in this embodiment, it is applicable to measurement
of coarse aggregate instead. If a plurality of aggregates are mixed
as concrete-forming materials, measurement values of the aggregates
often differ from each other. The measuring apparatus according to
the present invention is also applicable to this case.
[0914] Furthermore in this embodiment, for convenience of
description, the volumes of the measurement containers are assumed
to be the given amount, the given amount multiplied by two-thirds,
and the given amount multiplied by one-half of the kneading mixer,
respectively, when the volumes are at the normal water level where
they have the same depth. It is apparent, however, that the volumes
are not limited to the above.
[0915] Still further, while three measurement containers are used
as the plurality of measurement containers in this embodiment, it
is apparent that the number of measurement containers is not
limited to the above.
[0916] Furthermore, the masses M.sub.I of water thrown into the
measurement containers 544a, 544b, and 544c are measured as an
accumulation value with the flowmeter 573. Instead of it, however,
if water is thrown earlier into the measurement containers 544a,
544b, and 544c so that the water overflows the measurement
containers, the water level at which the water overflows from the
opening for overflow is previously determined to be the normal
water level as mentioned above, by which the mass M.sub.I of
supplied water is a known value without a need for measurement.
Therefore, in this constitution, there is no need to have means for
supplying water comprising the flowmeter 573, the water storage
hopper 102, the water feed pipe 105, and the closing valve 106.
[0917] In this case, water may overflow due to throwing aggregate
in a subsequent step, but the water level will never decrease.
Therefore, an accumulation value of the mass M.sub.I of supplied
water is fixed during measurement.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0918] Surface water of aggregate is indirectly calculated as a
part of mass M.sub.w of water, even if an aggregate whose moisture
state is not uniform is used, and the mass of the aggregate is
calculated as mass Ma of the aggregate in a saturated surface-dried
condition. In other words, since the mass of the aggregate and the
mass of the water are calculated on conditions equivalent to a
specified mix, even if a humidity grade of the fine aggregate is
not fixed at every measurement, it becomes possible to make
concrete as shown by the specified mix.
[0919] Practically, both fine aggregate and coarse aggregate are
needed as materials for construction of concrete. Furthermore,
there is assumed a case of using a plurality of fine or coarse
aggregates that differ from each other in density, grading, or the
like. It is often important to make new aggregate having desired
grading particularly by mixing a plurality of aggregates, different
from each other in grading, at appropriate percentages.
[0920] A measuring method for concrete-forming materials according
to the present invention is a very effective measuring method for
measuring a plurality of aggregates different from each other in at
least one of density and grading as mentioned above.
* * * * *